Bernadina gets start at first base

PHOENIX -- In recent days, Reds reserve outfielder Roger Bernadina obtained a first baseman's glove and began taking ground balls at the position for the first time in years. On Friday vs. the D-backs, Bernadina started there for the first time in his career.

"[Manager Bryan Price] asked me if I could play first base and I said 'yeah.' I did it in the past and fielded a couple of ground balls and stuff like that," Bernadina said. "I'll try to do my part to help the team."

Bernadina said he last played first base in rookie ball during extended spring and preseason games, but never logged time there in a regular-season game. The past few days of working out there haven't been uncomfortable to him, he felt.

"It's always different when the game starts, of course. I feel good," Bernadina said. "I just want to carry it into the game and see what happens."

The Reds have had a void at first base since Joey Votto went on the disabled list. Brayan Pena has made the bulk of the starts recently but was given a night off.