Robinson returns to two hole

CINCINNATI -- If Saturday night was any indication, Derrick Robinson likes batting in the two hole.

Hitting second for the first time this season, Robinson went 2-for-4 with two doubles -- the first of his big league career.

"Yeah, whenever you can hit in front of some of the best hitters in baseball, of course you're going to be excited," Robinson said. "You just keep the right mindset. Don't put pressure on yourself. Just try to get on base for these guys so they can drive you in."

Robinson did that in the sixth inning of Saturday's 4-2 over St. Louis with a leadoff double to right. He scored three pitches later when Joey Votto doubled to deep center.

Robinson stayed on second base until he knew for sure the ball would drop -- and then he scampered home as fast as his 25-year-old legs would carry him.

"I had to stay close enough to second just in case [the ball was caught] so I would be able to tag and get to third," Robinson explained. "[If it wasn't caught], I'd be able to score."

Reds manager Dusty Baker was apparently impressed with Robinson's production. Robinson, who is hitting .340 in 53 at-bats this season, will bat second again on Sunday.

"D-Rob, he's coming to play; he's coming to play," Baker said. "The better you play, the more time you can get. That's just how it is."

Baker also knows he may need to manufacture some runs off of St. Louis starter Lance Lynn, who is 2-0 against the Reds this year. Lynn allowed one run in each of those starts -- both of which were at home -- to go with a combined 15 strikeouts in 13 innings.

Baker said he will likely sit Robinson in favor of Xavier Paul in Monday night's game at Chicago. Paul is hitting .275 with four home runs and 21 RBIs this season.

"When I get to Chicago in a smaller ball park, then I'm going to need some power," Baker explained. "Like I've said, everybody brings something to the table with what we may need [on any given] night. In theory."

Baker said Robinson may start Wednesday against Travis Wood.