The Reds acquired Nieves in a trade with Detroit last November, but his development this spring was pushed back by hernia surgery and the prolonged illness of one of his seven-month old twin sons. Nieves didn't report to camp until two weeks ago and has spent most of that time getting in shape.
But Nieves played in a Reds' minor-league practice game Tuesday - for both teams. He led off each inning for both the Reds' Double-A and Triple-A teams, going 3-for-8. More importantly, the free swinger struck out only once. He begins playing in big-league games Thursday as the designated hitter.
''He seemed excited,'' manager Jack McKeon said. ''They say he ran well.''
Nieves led off one inning and then asked to hit again in the third spot so he could drive in a run - which he did with a double to left-center. McKeon and General Manager Jim Bowden were encouraged and believe Nieves has a good chance to make the 25-man roster by opening day, less than two weeks away.
''We'll know more in 10 days, but the way he's swinging the bat, it's a possibility,'' Bowden said. ''The first two at-bats looked like the first two at-bats of the spring, but after that, he looked like he had been hitting all spring. Based on what I saw, I wouldn't be surprised if he's ready.''
Nieves, a switch-hitter, hit 20 home runs for Detroit last year and 24 the year before but struck out 157 and 158 times, respectively, in those seasons. McKeon likes his potential but said he'll begin the season as a backup.
''If we can turn him around,
who knows what his potential is?'' McKeon said. ''We're going to push him, but he'll probably be a pinch-hitter until he's in good enough shape to go out there and play. He gives us a good power threat from both sides of the plate.''
Nieves has been working with hitting coach Ken Griffey, and the Reds hope that will help him cut down on the strikeouts.
''It's a mental thing. It's not that tough,'' McKeon said. ''We're working with him to get him to put the ball in play.''
Notebook: Hitters respond to McKeon
Reds 6, Tigers 5
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