Schumaker set for action at spring complex

PITTSBURGH -- Reds infielder/outfielder Skip Schumaker is scheduled to travel to Goodyear, Ariz., on Thursday to begin playing in extended spring games at the team's complex. Schumaker dislocated his left shoulder during a March 21 exhibition game.

"He can take all the ground balls and fly balls he wants. He can hit leadoff every inning," Reds manager Bryan Price said on Wednesday. "We're going to try and be as accommodating as we can to get him as many at-bats, seeing as many pitches as possible on the front end of this thing. Once he goes to a full-season league, we can't control the environment."

Schumaker, who has been taking batting practice on the road trip, will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville after he has advanced through Goodyear.

"It would initially be five or six innings and then move incrementally to get his stamina up," Price said.