Spelling Votto, Negron sees first action at first base

CINCINNATI -- With first baseman Joey Votto getting a day off for the first time this season on Wednesday, Reds manager Bryan Price made an unexpected choice to replace him in utility player Kristopher Negron.

Negron had never played first base in his brief big league career. In nine Minor League seasons, he played the position once in 2013 for Triple-A Louisville. Besides getting work at his various positions, he took ground balls at first base during Spring Training.

"When we sent Chris Dominguez out to get some at-bats in Triple-A, it created an environment where our other options at first really are [Todd] Frazier, who I really don't want to move off third base, Brayan Pena when he's not catching or Kris," Price said. "That's where we are with options. It certainly only adds to his value if he can go over there and play. All of us are confident he can do a fine job over there."