Facing Miley, Robinson back at leadoff

PHOENIX -- For the sixth time this season -- and second time in three games -- the Reds installed left fielder Derrick Robinson in the leadoff spot ahead of usual leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo. With lefty Wade Miley starting for the D-backs, the left-handed-hitting Choo batted second.

"It's something I've done my whole life, especially coming up through the Minor Leagues," Robinson said. "The main focus is getting on base."

Robinson is a switch-hitter and can be a weapon as the team's fastest player.

"When he gets on," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "Robinson has been struggling a little bit himself lately. I'd like to see him get on some more in front of Choo. If Choo isn't getting on, it makes it tough on Joey [Votto]."

Baker wants to get the opposing starting pitcher working from the stretch as early as possible.

"Very few starters feel as comfortable out of the stretch as they do the wind-up."

Robinson has not ignited yet from the top spot as he was batting .200 (4-for-20) entering Friday.

"Leading off the game, you typically like to work the counts, see what the pitcher has and if he's wild or whatever," Robinson said. "If he's throwing strikes, you focus on getting a pitch and doing something with it -- whether it's bunting or driving it where you want to drive it."