"Edinson Volquez sits patiently on the top dugout step at Louisville Slugger Field, waiting for an interviewer to approach.

The familiar Volquez smile is there, as is the firm handshake. One noticeable difference between Volquez and his purple-and-black clad Louisville teammates is that Volquez, shortly before a recent Bats game, is wearing the red undershirt of the parent Cincinnati Reds.

Which is where Volquez wants to be.

Back with his former Reds teammates. Back in the majors.

For now, the former All-Star pitcher works and waits.

"They don't say anything about when I go back to the big leagues," Volquez said. "I'm happy down here because I know I need the work. Whenever they call me back, I'll be ready."

If the easygoing Volquez is upset that he's been parked at Triple-A Louisville since July 7, he hides it well.

A lack of pitching command has resulted in two Triple-A stints for Volquez this season. In 85 innings with the Reds this year, Volquez struck out 85 but walked 55. His record was 5-4 but his ERA was a poor 5.93.

"I'm throwing more strikes now," Volquez said. "That's why they sent me down.""