Cincinnati Reds Projected Lineup And Bench

Mar 3, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) and first baseman Joey Votto (19) score runs against the Seattle Mariners in the third inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

LINEUP:

1. CF Billy Hamilton

2. 2B Brandon Phillips

3. 1B Joey Votto

4. RF Jay Bruce

5. LF Ryan Ludwick

6. 3B Todd Frazier

7. SS Zack Cozart

8. C Devin Mesoraco

Manager Bryan Price is going to bat Votto and Bruce back-to-back against right-handed starters, something former manager Dusty Baker rarely did.

Mesoraco is likely not start Opening Day because of his strained oblique, but the Reds were hopeful he could play in the first series.

Hamilton is key up top. He had a great spring.

Phillips, who struggled last year after being hit on forearm with a pitch, is another key. He showed good power in the spring with five home runs going into the last day.

RESERVES:

Brayan Pena

Ramon Santiago

Chris Heisey

Neftali Soto

OF Roger Bernadina or INF/OF Chris Negron

This is another area really affected by injuries. Free agent pick up outfielder Skip Schumaker dislocated his shoulder a week before the end of spring. He will miss a month.  Jack Hannahan’s recovery from offseason shoulder surgery went slow. He’ll start the year on the DL as well.

Santiago made the team as a non-roster player. He gives the Reds a true backup at shortstop. Heisey had a great spring (six home runs), as did Bernadina or Negron.