Juan

Francisco

Rolen underwent surgery on his left shoulder in August and is still dealing with some soreness. While the veteran third baseman is still under contract for next season, we’ll at least get to see more of Juan Francisco at third base down the stretch.

Jones was given the day off Wednesday, so that he’s not in Thursday’s lineup can’t be a good sign for his left knee. Juan Francisco will make the start at the hot corner and bat seventh.

Jones dealt with some swelling in his surgically-repaired left knee on the flight to Arizona, so he won’t play Thursday, but he doesn’t need it drained this time. It’s a day-to-day situation.

Francisco didn’t put himself in the Reds’ good graces by showing up to camp overweight, and, despite showing some power this spring, he’s batted under .200 while striking out 16 times over 51 at-bats. But, he has huge raw power and is expected to see plenty of action at third base until Chipper Jones (knee) is ready, pushing Martin Prado back to left field. He can also play first base and the corner outfield spots in a pinch.

Francisco’s at-bats have been limited thanks to Chipper Jones’ return, but he’s still displaying the raw power he was known for as a prospect in the Reds’ organization. Francisco now has three homers and seven RBI in just 28 at-bats. He’ll be a name to watch if/when Jones hits the DL.

Francisco showed up to camp overweight, which drew some comments from Reds manager Dusty Baker, and he’s now batting just .170 with 16 strikeouts and zero walks over 47 at-bats this spring. He has gone deep three times, though, and will serve as a power bat off the bench this year for Cincy.

Juan Francisco is starting at third base and hitting seventh. Jones recently had his left knee drained and could return to the lineup Sunday.

Francisco failed to reach base in his four other plate appearances, but he got to Frankie De La Cruz in the fifth inning. Manager Dusty Baker was not pleased with Francisco showing up to camp overweight, but the best way to work his way back into the manager’s good graces is to hit a few over the boards.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez plans to use Francisco at third base and move Martin Prado to left field against right-handers whenever Chipper Jones (knee) is out. Francisco was acquired from the Reds for pitching prospect J.J. Hoover earlier this week.

Not surprising with the day game after the night game. Juan Francisco, who homered last night, will make the start at third base while Jason Heyward will slide down to the third spot in the order with Martin Prado back in the lineup hitting No. 2.