DENVER – Shogo Akiyama made his second start of the season Friday after coming off the bench in five straight games.
Reds manager David Bell said it's been a challenge finding him playing time with the way the other outfielders are hitting. Akiyama was hitless in his first 10 at-bats this season before he hit a line drive single into left field in the eighth inning Thursday.
"Last night, somebody asked about him getting a hit," Bell said. "We need to get him playing time. We need to get him in there. It’s been tough just because the other guys were in a groove and playing well.