First baseman Scott Hatteberg, a starter throughout his career, suddenly finds himself sitting, and while it isn't comfortable, he understands. He is a victim of rookie first baseman's Joey Votto's fast start.
"It's tough for me, very tough," he said. "Not anywhere in my career have I been any good coming off the bench or being a pinch hitter. I've avoided taking one of these jobs my entire career." Hatteberg, 38, came back to the Cincinnati Reds this year believing he would share first base with Votto, but Votto is hitting .318 and playing, while Hatteberg is 0-for-7 as a pinch hitter.
"I'm trying to get good at this role and I feel bad that I'm not doing it well," he said. "It's hard for a guy who has played every day in his career. I play baseball to play, first and foremost. I've never taken a job just to be a guy in the dugout. I know what is happening and I'm just an insurance policy."
Hatteberg knows what is happening and can't argue the fact.
"First base is in good hands," he added. "Joey is going to be a big-time player."
REDS 10, GIANTS 1: Right-hander Edinson Volquez won his fourth straight, striking out a career-best 10 and holding the Giants to five hits over seven innings, while his teammates got him six runs in the top of the first off lefty Barry Zito. Second baseman Brandon Phillips had three hits, including two home runs, and drove in three.
