CINCINNATI -- Jose Barrero made his first big league start of the season for the Reds when he was at shortstop against the Cubs on Wednesday as Kyle Farmer got a break. But the organization’s No. 4 prospect could be given opportunities at other positions -- including the outfield.

Before Tuesday’s game, Barrero was in center field performing various drills with outfield coach Jeff Pickler. They worked on catching line drives and fly balls over the shoulder, as well as techniques for fielding base hits and making throws to the infield.

This is mostly the beginning stages of his work. Don’t expect Barrero to appear in center field right away.

“I know that he messes around out in the outfield a lot, shagging and doing nothing serious -- no serious work up until now -- so I know he can do it,” Reds manager David Bell said on Wednesday. “There would be a few more steps before that would be considered. Definitely athletic enough.”

The Reds have been playing with a four-man bench, and being able to use Barrero at different positions would enable the club to get him in the lineup more often. At Triple-A Louisville, he spent time at third and second base.

Younger players -- including stars and elite prospects -- have become more adept at playing multiple positions. The Padres have recently begun playing superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. in right field after he dealt with shoulder issues. Third baseman Kris Bryant -- now with the Giants -- played up to four positions with the Cubs. Dodgers All-Stars Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor are among the players on that club who frequently move around the field.

Reds rookie catcher Tyler Stephenson has played several games at first base this season, and for the past couple of weeks, he has also been working before games in left field.

“I think it's a good thing that guys aren't stuck at one spot,” Bell said. “We're a little bit more open-minded to guys being [able] to move around because of their athleticism and what they can do. I think that can go a long way and help create a roster, build a roster, have the flexibility. [It] gives you your best chance to win when you have guys who are willing and able to move around like that.

“Especially with young players, there's a lot of thought that goes into it. You want to continue to develop players and not put too much on them, but once they get to a certain point, I think it's a good thing. I think it can really help players' careers and help a team.”

Castellanos getting there
Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos’ right wrist hasn’t been 100 percent since he returned from the injured list on Aug. 5. But Castellanos, who was out for 12 games with a microfracture after being hit by a pitch on July 16, hit a home run in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Cubs.

Entering Wednesday, Castellanos was batting .214 (9-for-42) with three homers and five RBIs in 12 games since coming off the IL.

“I’m definitely getting back into the swing of the game, being able to really let it go with no thought,” Castellanos said. Then it’s just getting in sync -- it’s really all I can say. It’s just a process, you know?”

Castellanos, who entered the day ranked second in the National League with a .317 average, feels like he has been managing his expectations about playing with the injury.

“It starts by not being so hard on yourself,” he said. “At least, I can speak for me; everybody’s path to getting back is different. I come back and I want to be better than I was when I got hurt, right off the bat. Sometimes, you just have to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to catch up to the speed of the game and get back to where you feel good, regardless of results. That’s the most important thing.”