Report: Reds will not use Todd Frazier at shortstop

Once Cincinnati third baseman Scott Rolen returns to the lineup, Todd Frazier won't shift over to play shortstop while Zack Cozart recuperates from a strained oblique.

By R.J. White

Sep 10, 2012 at 3:20 pm ET • 1 min read

UPDATE (4:25 PM ET): Manager Dusty Baker will not play Frazier at shortstop regardless of Cozart's status, according to Fay.

Reds first baseman/third baseman Todd Frazier could be an option at shortstop if Zack Cozart doesn't return to the lineup soon, the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay speculates.

Cozart, who has a strained oblique, hasn't played since Sept. 3.

The Reds have been using Wilson Valdez and Didi Gregorius at shortstop, but neither has provided the lineup with quality offense.

Frazier, who has hit .284/.344/.520 in 416 plate appearances this season, has seen extensive time at first base and third base due to injuries to Joey Votto and Scott Rolen, respectively. Rolen hasn't played since Sept. 4 because of protrusions in two discs in his back, but could return at some point this week.

That would allow Frazier to move to shortstop, where he began his professional career in 2007. Frazier has played 112 games in the minors and two in the majors at shortstop.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the latest rumors from bloggers Chris Cwik, Jack Moore and R.J. White, follow @MLBRumorsCBS.