Cincinnati Reds Press Clippings March 14, 2015 THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1932-The Reds send Tony Cuccinello, Joe Stripp and Clyde Sukeforth to the Dodgers for Babe Herman, Ernie Lombardi and Wally Gilbert. MLB.COM Leake shakes off rust in first at-bats of spring Manager Price expects rest of starters to hit in games next week By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com /
[email protected] / @m_sheldon GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- That wasn't planned by manager Bryan Price, but still welcomed. Most National League teams, including the Reds, usually employ a designated hitter in the earlier stretch of exhibition games.When they faced the D-backs on Thursday, it just so happened that the first Reds pitcher to hit in a game this spring, starter Mike Leake, was also their best-hitting pitcher. "We like to honor what the host team is doing. We didn't ask for the DH," Price said. "Leaker needs to hit. He's a good offensive player. He's a guy that, at times, I'll green-light him to hit in what would typically be a bunting situation for a starting pitcher. I like to keep that weapon. He can hit and run. He can be a good offensive piece for us. I think the at-bats for him are more important than for anybody else on our staff." Leake looked at a called third strike and flied out during his two at-bats in the 12-4 Cincinnati win over Arizona. He is a career .234 hitter with four home runs and 15 RBIs, but hit .333 as a rookie and .295 in 2012.