For nearly all of spring training, the Cincinnati Reds left Brandon Phillips’ No. 4 unclaimed. Even as the Reds prepped to head north from Arizona, they had not issued No. 4 to a player projected to make the team and move up from a non-roster number north of 60. Even Jay Bruce’s No. 32 was budgeted for someone first, held for Rule 5 catcher Stuart Turner.
But then the Reds made a waiver claim for infielder Scooter Gennett, and he was issued No. 4. On his return to Great American Ball Park on Friday, Phillips said he was insulted that the Reds had given out his old number so quickly.