Cozart still bothered by swollen right hand

MILWAUKEE -- The first two fingers on Zack Cozart's right hand still resembled a Wisconsin bratwurst on Wednesday morning. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that the shortstop was out of the starting lineup after being hit on the hand Tuesday night vs. the Brewers.

"It's swollen, but I think it's better," Cozart said.

Cozart was attempting to sacrifice bunt in the top of the seventh inning of a 3-2 Reds loss when Jimmy Nelson's fastball came up and in and nailed his index and middle fingers. He was able to finish the top of the inning before being replaced defensively in the bottom of the seventh.

Ramon Santiago started at shortstop on Wednesday for the road trip finale. Cozart's pending return is listed as day to day.

"I don't think hitting will be the problem. Throwing will be the problem," Cozart said.

It was the puffier index finger that hurt Cozart the most.

"It's still purple, he said. "Gripping the baseball is going to be interesting."