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Reds claim Scooter Gennett from Brewers

Cincinnati adds a versatile left-handed bat to its bench.

MLB: Spring Training-Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

According to C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have claimed Scooter Gennett off waivers from the Brewers.

In Milwaukee, both sides seemed to agree it was time to part ways. Gennett was pushed out of a starting job with the Brewers remaking their infield over the winter. Jonathan Villar is moving to second base this season, with Travis Shaw playing third, Orlando Arcia at shortstop, and Eric Thames trying to fend off Jesus Aguilar at first.

Gennett was adding more versatility to his game this spring by playing some third base and left field, and he figures to be a left-handed option off the bench for the Reds. However, that could change if the Reds find a trade partner for Zack Cozart, which could allow current second baseman Jose Peraza to shift to shortstop, opening up at-bats at second base for Gennett.

Soon-to-be 27-year-old Gennett slashed .263/.317/.412 across 542 plate appearances last season, setting new career-highs in home runs (14), RBI (56), and stolen bases (eight). He’s owed $2.525 million in 2017 and under team control through 2019.