The Cincinnati Reds have placed pitcher Kent Mercker on the disabled list with lower back pain.

Mercker had actually been fairly effective coming out of the bullpen this season, going 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA.

Bill Bray, who was just demoted after the team had to clear room for another returning player, is on his way back up to the big league club.

Bray pitched well for the Reds in his limited time with the club.