SARASOTA, Fla. - Melvin Nieves is usually swinging the bat well by this point in spring training. This year, he has barely gotten the bat off his shoulder.
''It's been weird,'' he said.
Nieves reported late because his medical problems with one of his newborn twins. He is also recovering from January hernia surgery. Thursday was the first time he appeared in a game.
He was 0-for-2 with a walk.
''I'm taking it day-by-day,'' he said. ''I'm trying not to let it affect me . . . I don't want to use it as an excuse.''
Nieves was acquired from Detroit in a trade for catcher Paul Bako and right-handed pitcher Donnie Wall on Nov. 11.
Nieves, a 26-year-old switch-hitter, hit 20 home runs last year and 24 the year before. But he struck out 157 and 158 times, respectively. If he can start making contact on any kind of regular basis, the Reds may have to find a spot for his power. Right now, he's just getting in game condition.
''We're not even evaluating him yet,'' McKeon said.
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