By Mark Sheldon

The Reds’ pitching staff entered Tuesday leading the Majors in walks with 310. (They were fifth last season). The staff allowed six walks in Monday’s win and issued 10 walks on Sunday vs. Cleveland. (Cueto had six).

Michael Lorezen lasted only five innings with 106 pitches on Monday in part because of walks. He walked pitcher Clayton Richard with two outs in the second inning. That cost him an additional 15 pitches to get out of the inning.

Manager Bryan Price discussed how it’s been an issue that’s being addressed, especially in side bullpen sessions. But the team also has several rookies, especially in the rotation.

“We’re getting a lot of guys that are coming to the big leagues and trying to establish themselves as credible Major League pitchers, Price said on Tuesday. “This is not the same team that we broke camp with that a lot more experienced guys with a lot more years of Major League service time.

“One thing so far this season has proven is you have to be able to command the strike zone in order to be successful at this level. What we’re finding are the guys that can and the guys that can’t or won’t. We’ll have to make the necessary adjustments. The one thing that I think is extremely important is that if we’re going to have more success, it’s going to start with the pitching.”

*Price gave Skip Schumaker a start in left field Tuesday and shifted Marlon Byrd to center field. Price said Byrd was excited for his second start there this season after he did it June 27.

“He’s up to the task,” Price said.

There was nothing wrong with center fielders Billy Hamilton or Jason Bourgeois.

“Skip has had one start this month. I want him in the game,” Price said. “I have the double header tomorrow. Everybody will start one of those two games. I just like the flow of the offense and wanted to make sure I got Skip I got a start. I’m sure he’ll start another game tomorrow so he’ll be able to put some back-to-back starts together and more than a pinch-hit at-bat. He’s been getting about a pinch-hit at-bat a game this month but he hasn’t been getting the starts. I have to find a way to get him in there and feeling comfortable at the plate.”