How Cincinnati Reds surprising source of Opening Day power was just the way they planned
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Reds add Cincinnati native Scooter Gennett

C. Trent Rosecrans
crosecrans@enquirer.com
Cincinnati Reds left fielder Marlon Byrd (9) avoids the tag from Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett (2) and reaches second base in the sixth inning during the Major League Baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, July 4, 2015, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Scooter Gennett is coming back to Cincinnati.

The Reds claimed the 26-year-old second baseman off of waivers from the Brewers on Tuesday. Gennett was born in Cincinnati, but his family moved to Florida when he was 9.

“It’s kind of ironic, being born there and being a big Reds fan growing up. So it’s a little surreal,” Gennett told Milwaukee-based reporters. “But it’s a big league ballclub and there’s a job to do, so that stuff’s cool, but it’s, ‘how can I help the team?’ All that stuff is pretty cool. It will probably make a good story for you guys.”

Although he has primarily been a second baseman for the Brewers, the Reds claimed him with hopes he can bolster their bench with a left-handed hitter who they hope can play third base and left field, as well.

“I think when we looked at our club, especially starting the season with a four-man bench, having a true left-handed hitter and a presence, I think he can handle that role when he’s not in the lineup. It’s an important need,” Reds manager Bryan Price said.

Gennett has only played second base and left field in the majors, but has also played third base this spring, including in a game against the Reds. The Reds will start the season with eight pitchers in the bullpen, leaving a four-man bench.

Gennett had been replaced by Jonathan Villar at second base for the Brewers, who placed Gennett on waivers despite the fact he still had an option. By claiming Gennett, the Reds are responsible for his $2.525-million contract in 2017. He is under team control for two more years.

Last season Gennett played 136 games for the Brewers, including 121 starts at second base. He hit .263/.317/.412 with 14 home runs and is a career .279/.318/.420 hitter.

“It will be somewhat of a transition for him I’m sure. I don’t know what the Brewers intentions were for him — I do now,” Price said. “Last year when they moved him around a bit, I didn’t know if their idea was super utility or him spending more time as a bench player, but we would not have made this claim if we did not have total confidence in his ability to handle what we’re going to give him as far as playing time and role.”

This spring, Gennett played 19 2/3 innings at second base (three starts), 18 innings at third base (three starts), 22 innings in left field (five starts) and 10 innings in right field (two starts).

To make room for Gennett on the 40-man roster, the Reds waived 1B/OF Christian Walker. Walker, who was claimed off of waivers earlier this spring, was claimed by the Diamondbacks.

Injury updates

• Right-hander Raisel Iglesias threw a bullpen on Tuesday and is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Price said. Iglesias, who is expected to serve as one of the team’s late-inning bullpen arms, will travel back to Cincinnati with the team and pitch in one of the two exhibition games against Reds’ minor leaguers.

• Right-hander Nefi Ogando is expected to pitch in Wednesday’s Cactus League finale. Ogando is dealing with inflammation between the thumb and index finger on his right hand. It is not pitching-related, Price said, but does affect his pitching.

• Right-hander Homer Bailey played catch at 90 feet on Monday. “Everything went well,” Price said. “It's the beginning of throwing and making his progressions.”

• Minor-league second baseman Dilson Herrera played in the field for the first time this spring during a minor-league game. He had been dealing with a nagging shoulder problem since the start of camp.