OF Philip Ervin was optioned for Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday after batting .625 with a double, two home runs and six RBIs in four appearances since being recalled from Triple-A on June 15. But Ervin needed regular at-bats. "It was a really hard decision," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We knew we were going to send him to Louisville to get some regular at-bats before September. (Jesse) Winker already isn't getting regular at-bats, and it's harder with two guys." Winker singled as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning on Wednesday.

RF Phillip Ervin celebrated his first career start by going 3-for-4 with a home run, double and four RBIs. He's the first Reds rookie with at least three runs and three RBIs in a game since Chris Dickerson and Joey Votto (both in 2008).

RF Phillip Ervin (1-for-2) recorded his first career hit and home run. He's the first Reds player to homer in his first big league at-bat since Juan Francisco on Sept. 18, 2009 against Florida.

OF Phillip Ervin was called up from Triple-A Louisville to fill the roster spot of C Devin Mesoraco, who was placed on the disabled list with a fractured foot. Ervin has played in three games this season with the Reds, going 0-for-2. He was hitting .256 with seven home runs and 40 RBIs at Louisville this season. Ervin said he isn't trying to forecast how long he will be up with the Reds, but he plans to make the most of his opportunity. "I haven't really thought about it much," he said.

OF Phillip Ervin was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to fill the roster opening available by C Devin Mesoraco (broken foot) on Tuesday. Ervin is batting .256 with seven homers and 40 RBIs at Louisville and went 0-for-2 in three games with the Reds earlier this season.

OF Phillip Ervin was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday. Ervin, the 27th overall draft choice by the Reds in the first round of the 2013 draft, didn't appear in a game during his latest stint with the club and has only two at-bats this season.

OF Phillip Ervin was recalled from Triple-A Louisville, apparently in a bench role. He was batting .249 with a .691 OPS at Louisville. He did not make an appearance in the game.

OF Phillip Ervin was recalled by the Cincinnati Reds from Triple-A Louisville. He was batting .249 with seven homers and 37 RBIs in 92 appearances with the Bats. Ervin also made two pinch-hit appearances for the Reds in April.

OF Phillip Ervin was optioned to Triple-A Louisville Wednesday, clearing a spot for RHP Rookie Davis to be brought off the disabled list for a start against the Brewers. Ervin appeared in three games for the Reds and went hitless in two at-bats.

OF Phillip Ervin, the Reds' first-round draft choice in 2013, was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday. Ervin made 441 appearances in the minor leagues before being promoted to the big leagues. "I was kind of shocked," Ervin said. "I didn't know how to act. I was like, Is this really happening? The emotions kind of all built up. I've been so close. Now, I'm finally achieving it. It's your life's goal." Ervin led the Bats with 11 RBIs. He also had three home runs and was batting .286 in 14 games. "This is a good way for him to break the ice and get acclimated," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He'll be in more of a bench role. This will be a valuable experience for him. I'm sure there are a lot of things he'd like to get out of the way."

Ervin, 23, is slashing .252/.338/.408 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI and 19 steals through 86 games for High-A Daytona.

The toolsy Ervin has shown the power/speed combo that made him a first-round pick in 2013. He is also not afraid to draw a walk, though it remains to be seen if he will be able to hit for average at the higher levels.