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Stewart started at second base and went 0-for-1 with two walks in Saturday's spring game against Cleveland.
Stewart, who entered camp as the favorite to be the team's primary first baseman, was given an opportunity at second base in the Cactus League opener. A slimmed down version of Stewart -- he shed 26 pounds during the offseason -- makes it possible for him to be deployed at the keystone this season.
Stewart shed 26 pounds during the offseason, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Stewart, primarily a third baseman in the minors, has a clear path to playing regularly at first base and designated hitter this season. Last season's primary starter at first base, Spencer Steer, will likely be a regular in left field while also subbing in at three infield positions. Stewart was introduced to first base last season and had a throwing error in the playoffs that led to a four-run rally by the Dodgers. It's unclear if the error prompted him to drop the weight, but the early report out of camp is that the slimmer Stewart has improved his athleticism. How that reduction in weight impacts his offense is something to monitor, but the 22-year-old prospect is confident he will retain his compact swing and continue to hit for power. During a September call-up last year, Stewart slashed .255/.293/.545 with five home runs, eight RBIs and 11 runs scored over 58 plate appearances.
Reds' Sal Stewart: Will split reps at first base/DH
Rotowire
Stewart is expected to split his time between designated hitter and corner infield following the Reds' signing of Eugenio Suarez, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
As long as he's healthy, Ke'Bryan Hayes is in line to be the team's everyday third baseman, which leaves Stewart and Suarez to share first base and DH duties. Bringing Suarez aboard does not preclude Stewart from getting everyday reps, but it does give him less margin for error. The rookie swatted five home runs in 18 regular-season contests down the stretch for Cincinnati while slashing .255/.293/.545. Stewart also sported a robust 52.5 percent hard-hit rate and 17.5 percent barrel rate during his cup of coffee.
Stewart spent the winter getting into better shape, losing 20-plus pounds, and he's been working on his defense at first base, Charlie Goldsmith of The Dayton Daily News reports.
After the Reds traded for Ke'Bryan Hayes last year, Stewart had to learn first base on the fly. He'll enter this season more comfortable at the position, and presumably has the inside track to play there regularly in 2026. The Reds still have to find playing time for both Stewart and Spencer Steer, but they can be in the same lineup with one of them at DH and the other at first base.
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