Healthy, Alex Wood set ‘to get this thing going’

CINCINNATI —

“They wanted me, when I came back, for them to be able to cut me loose and make normal starts, so we wouldn’t beat up the bullpen,” Wood, 28 said. “I felt good and threw pretty well in those six innings.”

“Just his progress and his health and the way he was pitching, the way he felt,” Bell said about activating Wood. “I think it’s where we are. We never want to rush anyone. They have to know they’re healthy and they can perform at this level. We’re not really at a point to delay that, either.”

The Reds hope he can provide a stretch-drive boost with the talent that has produced a 52-40 record and 3.29 earned-run average in 129 starts and 43 relief appearances for Atlanta Braves and the Dodgers.

“I’ve been around a little now, but you come to a new place and the guys respect you and they know what you’ve done in your career and the impact you can have, but that’s different than having that impact that year with that club,” Wood said. “It sucked really bad not being able to contribute up until this point.”

Wood is scheduled to be opposed by right-hander Peter Lambert (2-1).

Good soreness: Catcher Tucker Barnhart felt on Saturday like he always does after he’s played the previous day.

He savored the soreness. Barnhart, 28, did not start on Saturday, one day after being activated from the injured list and making his first appearance since June 22. He’d been sidelined with a right oblique strain.

“I’m happy with the way I’m feeling. I have no issues. I wasn’t holding anything back.”

Hernandez’s progress: Right-handed relief pitcher David Hernandez threw a bullpen session on Friday and will most likely throw at least one session of live batting practice before being activated, Bell said.

Hernandez has been on the injured list since July 18 with right shoulder fatigue.