On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Reds will report to Great American Ballpark and Prasco Park in Mason to begin training for the 60-game 2020 season. In both locations, for the first time in team history, a focal point will be the universal designated hitter.
For 150 years, the Reds have penciled a pitcher into the batting order. Whether securing the ninth or, most recently, the eighth spot in the lineup, a pitcher coming to the plate has meant striking out, bunting, double switches or pinch hitters.
There have been occasional highlights with a pitcher at the dish.