MLB notes – Reds try Bruce at first base

Four hours before the first pitch, right fielder Jay Bruce was taking ground balls at a position he hasn’t played since high school.

The Reds are making a big switch to get by without Joey Votto.

Bruce started at first base on Monday against the Chicago Cubs, the first time in his professional career that he’s played anywhere other than the outfield. Manager Bryan Price said Bruce will play first on occasion while Votto deals with a nagging thigh injury that could land him back on the disabled list.

“We don’t really have a bunch of true first basemen here besides Joey,” Price said. “So Jay’s been taking ground balls over there. And he has some history there – not a lot, and it’s not in pro ball, but he does have some history there and he looks athletic doing it.”

The big question is what to do with Votto.

The 2010 NL MVP missed 23 games with a strained muscle above his left knee. The Reds have said the injury won’t fully heal until after the season, but they’ll try to keep him in the lineup as much as possible.

He’s batting only .250 in 23 games since his return and hasn’t homered since May 10. He struck out three times during a 1-0 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday and got the next day off.

“It’s becoming apparent in the quality of his play that it’s not just something that’s an inconvenience,” Price said. “It’s getting to the point where it’s very difficult for him to compete.”

Votto went for another MRI on the leg before Monday’s game. Price said the team was waiting to get the results before deciding whether he needs to go back on the disabled list.

With Votto unavailable, the Reds were short-handed heading into a five-game series with the Cubs that includes a doubleheader today. Catcher Brayan Pena has played first base, but was in Florida on paternity leave. He’s expected back today.

For now, Bruce will do.

Cubans booted after failed defection

Cuban pitchers Diosdani Castillo and Yasmany Hernandez Romero have been indefinitely kicked off their club, Villa Clara, after they attempted to defect two weeks ago, according to Cuban official media.

Around the League

Diamondbacks pitcher Bronson Arroyo must undergo Tommy John surgery. … The Indians have acquired outfielder Chris Dickerson from the Pirates for a player to be named or cash.