Reynolds becoming mainstay in lineup

MILWAUKEE -- One night after his prodigious 440-foot home run served as one of the key offensive moments for the Brewers, first baseman Mark Reynolds was back in the lineup Saturday facing a right-hander. Though the Brewers initially appeared to be implementing a platoon with Reynolds and Lyle Overbay, it's Reynolds who has started in seven straight games, including four against right-handers.

Reynolds also made a pair of strong defensive plays at first base Friday in the team's win over the Pirates, making a nifty scoop to rob Neil Walker of a base hit and initiating a 3-6-3 double play.

"I take pride in it," Reynolds said of his defense. "It's something I work at daily, to get better over there and try to do the best I can with the opportunities that are presented."

Reynolds has committed his share of errors over his career, largely coming at third base, and holds only a .963 fielding percentage as a result. But he hasn't looked challenged at first base.

"He's diving for balls, made a great turn," said manager Ron Roenicke. "I heard some things that he was pretty good, and I think the errors were really more his throwing, but he's got really good hands. He's got good range side to side ... I'm not surprised, but I really like what he's doing."

It also helps that Reynolds has a .985 OPS heading into Saturday, though Roenicke did say he expected to give Overbay a start Sunday.