Nicaso threw just 86 pitches Saturday after throwing between 89 and 94 pitches in his previous four starts in May. He's slated to take on the Astros at home Thursday.

Bailey needed 116 pitches to get through six innings of work, but he was successful despite his lack of efficiency. Bailey allowed two runs on five hits and three walks in six innings, while striking out eight batters. He threw 78 of 116 pitches for strikes in the outing.

Bailey left the mound down 2-1 and looked to be on his way to a loss, but the Reds' offense exploded for four runs in the bottom of the sixth, to send him to a 5-2 win. Wood is now 3-3 on the season, with a 3.08 ERA.

Bailey is expected to make his next start Thursday against the Indians. 

 Wood allowed one run on three hits and two walks through the first five innings of his start, but seemed to run out of gas in the sixth inning. He walked the first hitter he faced in the sixth and would allow four runs on four hits before being pulled from the game.

He ultimately allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings, while striking out five and throwing 69 of 115 pitches for strikes. He saw his ERA rise from 2.24 to 2.73 with the outing, while his record dropped to 4-3, with a 5-2 loss.

Wood will try to bounce back and start a new streak in his next start, scheduled for Thursday against the White Sox. 

Zito hasn't won any of his last six starts, but Saturday's game was a decent bounce-back for the lefty after he gave up 10 earned runs on 23 hits in 11 1/3 innings over his last two starts. He'll match up with the A's at home Thursday.

Guthrie was fine through five innings then allowed a run in the sixth and seventh. But he really struggled in the eighth when three of the first four batters got on base. He loaded the bases by hitting Albert Pujols and was then pulled after 106 pitches.

All three batters Guthrie left on base scored and he was charged with seven runs -- six earned -- over 7 1/3 innings. He allowed five hits and a walk, while striking out two. He also surrendered a two solo home runs.

Guthrie (5-3) has seen his ERA rise more than a run-and-a-half to 3.92. He has allowed 17 runs over the last 19 1/3 innings. He will try to end his losing streak Thursday against the Cardinals.