ST. LOUIS -- The Reds claimed utility infielder/outfielder Patrick Kivlehan off waivers from the Padres on Wednesday. To make room on the 40-man roster, shortstop Zack Cozart was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.Kivlehan, 26, is expected to join the team in Cincinnati on Friday, when the Reds open their

ST. LOUIS -- The Reds claimed utility infielder/outfielder Patrick Kivlehan off waivers from the Padres on Wednesday. To make room on the 40-man roster, shortstop Zack Cozart was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Kivlehan, 26, is expected to join the team in Cincinnati on Friday, when the Reds open their final series of the season, facing the Cubs. The Reds will be his fourth organization in 2016.

"Our guys liked him," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He got on the radar for us, from my understanding, when we were scouting him in the Arizona Fall League a couple of years ago. The scouts like his swing, his ability, his athleticism. He's got some big, raw power. We've heard enough good reports on him to take a shot at making a waiver claim."

In 100 Triple-A games this season, Kivlehan batted .254/.302/.416 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs. He played five big league games for San Diego from Aug. 20-26 and was 4-for-16 with a homer and two RBIs.

Kivlehan last played on Sept. 20 in the Triple-A World Series with El Paso. Under the rules, if a team claims a player after his Minor League season ends and he has big league service time in the same season, he has to be called up.

"And the timing is pretty good," Price said. "We're a little banged up right now. … He might actually find himself in the lineup or get the opportunity to play a little bit those last three games."

Kivlehan began the season in the Rangers' organization but was designated for assignment on May 23, before being traded to the Mariners six days later. On Aug. 4, he was claimed off waivers by the Padres, then was designated for assignment again on Sept. 21.

The #Reds have claimed off waivers from the #Padres IF/OF @PatrickKivlehan and transferred to the 60-day DL Zack Cozart (right knee). pic.twitter.com/wgTrvqUhIW — Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 28, 2016

Injury report

• Second baseman Brandon Phillips was out of Wednesday's lineup with soreness at the base of his left hand. Phillips exited Tuesday's game in the seventh inning.

• Scott Schebler was scratched from Wednesday's lineup with a sore left hamstring. Schebler left Tuesday's game in the ninth inning with leg cramps. He tested the leg again Wednesday afternoon, and it was decided he should rest. Hernan Iribarren started in his place in center field.

"We went out and ran, and when I get to 70-80 percent, it just tightens up," Schebler said. "I'm sure [pitcher Anthony DeSclafani ] doesn't want a guy in center field that's 70 percent. I think it's better for the team."

Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast.