Though Phillips (toe) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Giants, he is available to pinch-hit or be a defensive replacement, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. The Reds are trying to take the cautious approach with Phillips but believe he's near ready to return. "I think it could be something that's exacerbated by going out and playing nine innings," manager Bryan Price said. "I think he could pinch-hit, or in an emergency go out there and play defense. I think he could probably do anything but it makes more sense to look at him as a possible starter for (Friday's) game as opposed to (Thursday). That's just being conservative. If he had to play, he could play."