Reds manager Bryan Price suggested Friday that Votto will open the year as the Reds' No. 2 hitter, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. There had been plenty of speculation that Price would go this route to capitalize on Votto's on-base skills and maximize his at-bats, but Votto had not actually hit second in many spring games recently. Votto is set to bat second Friday for the first time since Mar. 27. Price also suggested Brandon Phillips will bat seventh, meaning Todd Frazier will likely be the No. 3 hitter. Votto has shown little power this spring, with one extra-base hit (a homer) in 47 plate appearances.