Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Frazier out of lineup due to tightness in groin

ATLANTA -- After starting all 23 previous games, Reds third baseman Todd Frazier was not in the starting lineup on Saturday vs. the Braves. Frazier exited Friday's 5-4 loss to the Braves in the fifth inning because of tightness in his left groin.

Neftali Soto played third base in place of Frazier. It was Soto's first time starting a game in the big leagues.

"It gives us a chance to see him play," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's been up and done nothing but pinch-hit except for [Friday] when he came in and replaced Frazier. We need to see him play. I don't think it's going to be any extended missed time right now, just an extra day. [Frazier] probably could play today if we really needed him to, but I think another day off will really help him."

Soto rose through the system primarily as a first baseman but is blocked by Joey Votto. He has gotten time in the Minors at third base and took up catching during Spring Training to maximize his value and versatility.

"I'm excited about it," Soto said about the chance to start. "I take ground balls at first and third in practice. I played all winter ball at third."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.
Read More: Cincinnati Reds, Neftali Soto, Todd Frazier