Flushing, NY -- (Sports Network) - The Cincinnati Reds placed relief pitcher Kent Mercker on the 15-day disabled list on Friday, retroactive to May 6, with lower back pain.

The 40-year-old left-hander has a 3.86 earned run average in 13 appearances this season for the Reds, his third campaign with the club. To fill his roster spot the Reds recalled lefty Bill Bray from Triple-A Louisville.

Bray has not allowed a run in four innings for the club this season. The 25- year-old has a 4.30 ERA in 71 career appearances for the Reds and Nationals over three seasons.