Although he was able to take grounders at second base Friday afternoon, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is still out of the lineup Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It is unknown how much longer the team will be without their slugging middle infielder, as he has been out since Tuesday with a strained calf.
Also out for the Reds will be Joey Votto who is still on the disabled list, and Jay Bruce who is sitting out against a lefty starting pitcher. It is the first time since 2010 that Phillips, Votto and Bruce are all absent from the lineup.
The two teams begin a crucial three-game set at Great American Ballpark Friday night. Here are the lineups for the game.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Starling Marte LF
Travis Snider RF
Andrew McCutchen CF
Garrett Jones 1B
Neil Walker 2B
Pedro Alvarez 3B
Rod Barajas C
Clint Barmes SS
Wandy Rodriguez
Cincinnati Reds
Zack Cozart SS
Drew Stubbs CF
Ryan Ludwick LF
Scott Rolen 3B
Todd Frazier 1B
Chris Heisey RF
Miguel Cairo 2B
Ryan Hannigan C
Mat Latos P
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Reds, there's Red Reporter.