John Fay

jfay@enquirer.com

NEW YORK -- Reds general manager Walt Jocketty sounds hopeful – not desperate – when it comes to trying to pull off a trade before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

"We hope to get something done," Jocketty said. "It's not something we have to do. I still think we're going to compete well with the club we have but bringing in re-enforcements always helps."

The other teams in the four-team National League Central race – Milwaukee, St. Louis and Pittsburgh – are shopping as well.

"I think everybody's in the same mode right now," Jocketty said. "We're all looking to see what's out there. A lot of clubs are looking for bats, a lot of clubs are looking for bullpen help, a lot of clubs are looking for starters. We don't need starters.

"I would like to add a bat. We just haven't found anything that is attractive to us yet. It may not happen before the 31st."

Trades can still be made after the July 31 trade deadline, but the players have to pass through waivers. The Pirates acquired Marlon Byrd on August 27 last season.

The Reds are looking to bring in someone who can play multiple positions. The Reds could use someone to fill in for Joey Votto and/or Brandon Phillips, but that is a temporary thing. Ideally, the player could play outfield as well.

"That would be better," Jocketty said. "Eventually, we're going to get Brandon and Joey back. You don't want to limit yourself."

Jocketty can't discuss other club's players.

But Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist is probably the top fit. Daniel Murphy of the New York Mets fits the bill as well. Byrd, now with Philadelphia, only plays outfield, but the Reds could play Jay Bruce at first until Votto returns.

Byrd is owed $8.5 million for next season. If he gets 600 plate appearances in 2015, it guarantees him $8.5 million in 2016.

The Reds are unlikely to risk taking on that kind of payroll.

Jocketty said the Reds are not close on anything.

"Pretty quiet," he said. "We've had a few discussions with clubs but it's been relatively quiet. It's kind of surprising."

Jocketty did not rule out pursuing second baseman Dan Uggla, who was released Friday by the Atlanta Braves.

"We haven't discussed that yet," Jocketty said. "I haven't talked to our scouts that saw him. I don't know. We're going to meet tomorrow and go over some stuff."

Uggla plays only second base. He was hitting .162 in 130 at-bats when he was released. He hit .179 last year. But he hit 29 home runs in 2012.

SCHUMAKER BACK: Second baseman/outfielder Skip Schumaker was activated Sunday from the seven-day concussion disabled list. He was in the lineup, batting second and playing second base.

He doubled in the Reds' first run Sunday.

The Reds optioned Neftali Soto to Triple-A Louisville to open a spot for Schumaker.

The Reds waited until Schumaker took batting practice to make the move.

Schumaker's absence, coupled with Brandon Phillips being on the DL, has left the Reds playing their third and fourth options at second.

"He's a huge part of our part of our team," Price said. "In large part (because) he can play multiple positions, bring energy. He plays the game the right way. We've kind of detailed all the things that Skip to help us win games from his defense to the way he runs the bases. He's a good situational player."

BAILEY OK: Homer Bailey is ready to go for his start in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Bailey left his final start before the All-Star Break with a strained right knee.

"I threw a couple of bullpens," he said. "I felt a little bit on the first one. But it calmed down. I was actually able to run. It's the first time I looked forward to running."

BRUCE STRUGGLING: Jay Bruce went 0-for-11 with five strikeouts in the first two games of the series. Bruce went into Sunday 0-for-his-last-15 overall.

"I don't see anything from a technical standpoint," Price said. "I know how this game is. It's a such a mental challenge on a daily basis. He had a really nice run when we were on the road before the break. I know he's trying to do everything he can with Joey (Votto) and Brandon (Phillips) out to provide us with that middle-of-the-order presence. What we want him to do is relax and be himself and not be more than himself.

"I'm sure he's putting pressure on himself in the absence of those two guys."

Bruce was 0-for-4 with a strikeout Sunday.