Negron is out of the lineup Saturday against the Pirates. Negron has seen some playing time recently with Todd Frazier shifting to first base. Frazier is back at third Saturday, while Brayan Pena enters the lineup at first base and will bat fifth for the Reds.

The Reds have recently moved Todd Frazier to first base more often to accommodate Negron at third. That arrangement played out again Thursday as Negron went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base. Negron is an older prospect and thus doesn't have much in the way of keeper value, but it might also mean that he was more equipped for the transition to the major leagues once he got the call. He has impressed the team with his approach at the plate and his hustle everywhere. Until Joey Votto returns from the DL, Negron could play 4-to-5 times per week.

The Reds confirmed that Negron will lose playing time now that Brandon Phillips has returned. Negron will occasionally play third base while Todd Frazier moves over to first base. He probably won't play much in left field, however. "It's not off the table of consideration," manager Bryan Price said. "It's hard to realistically try to force-feed a fourth guy into that mix there to play left."

Negron went 4-for-4 with one RBI on Friday facing the Rockies. With Brandon Phillips likely returning to action next week, Negron's value is limited at best moving forward. Negron (.292/.333/.492) has certainly done his part in Phillips' absence, giving the Reds a much needed infield spark. He is now 6-for-11 over the last few games and should see a few more starts.

Negron went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox. Negron seems to have emerged as the Reds' top second baseman in place of Brandon Phillips, beating out an uninteresting group of contenders that also includes Skip Schumaker and Ramon Santiago. Negron has flashed some light power and speed with three homers and two stolen bases in 20 games with the Reds, but his modest minor league resume suggests that might be the extent of his upside.

Negron is not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Red Sox. Negron, who has started the past six games, will receive the day off, while Ramon Santiago shifts over to second base as the Reds face off against Boston starter Joe Kelly. Over his last three games, Negron is 0-for-11 at the dish with three strikeouts.

Negron will bat leadoff Sunday against the Marlins. With Billy Hamilton out of the lineup, Negron will step in atop the order for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old Negron is batting just .260/.302/.480 through 18 game with the big club this season, but he is 6-for-9 with two homers against southpaws. Lefty Brad Hand is on the hill for Miami.

Negron had a homer, double and a single, knocking in two and scoring three runs in Wednesday's win over the Indians. Negron now has three homers in 15 games, but he's never hit for much power or let alone average in the minors. He's also already 28 years old, so while this game might end up being a nice memory to look back upon someday, Negron is not a prospect that could blossom into a full-time player.

Reds purchased the contract of UTIL Kristopher Negron from Triple-A Louisville. Negron will add some needed depth and versatility to the Reds' bench with Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Billy Hamilton all fighting injuries. Negron last appeared in the majors in 2012. The 28-year-old can play all around the diamond but isn't a great hitter.

Reds re-signed INF/OF Kristopher Negron to a minor league contract. Negron spent all of 2013 at Triple-A Louisville, batting just .225/.295/.317. He'll be a utilityman again for the Bats.