Reds lose three to free agency

CINCINNATI (AP) - Right-hander Kirk Saarloos refused an
assignment to the minors on Thursday, choosing to leave the
Cincinnati Reds and become a free agent.
Infielder Mark Bellhorn and outfielder Jason Ellison also
refused outright assignments to the minors and became free agents.
Cincinnati acquired Saarloos from Oakland in a trade last
January. He went 1-5 with a 7.17 ERA in 31 relief appearances and
three starts for Cincinnati. The Reds got him for his versatility -
he has started and relieved during his career - but he struggled in
both rolls.
Bellhorn batted .071 with one RBI in three stints with the Reds.
Ellison, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle on Aug. 8, batted
.188 with one homer and two RBIs.