 On August 11, 2008 Buck was traded from Arizona's minor league Single-A Visalia Oaks (along with Micah Owings and Wilkin Castillo) to the Cincinnati Reds for Adam Dunn and cash.In 2009 Buck battled arm injuries while holding a 2–3 record with a 4.91 ERA in ten starts.He ended the 2009 season playing for the Double-A Carolina Mudcats.