C. Trent Rosecrans

crosecrans@enquirer.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Bit by bit, player by player, the injured Reds are returning to action.

On Friday, shortstop Zack Cozart is scheduled to make his first Cactus League appearance for the Reds, more than nine months after suffering a season-ending knee injury that required major surgery.

Right-hander Raisel Iglesias, who wasn’t injured, but the team has been holding back in order to prevent injuries, will throw his final live batting practice on Friday and then is expected to start Monday’s game against the Angels.

Catcher Devin Mesoraco and outfielder Billy Hamilton appear to be making progress toward the field, as well.

Hamilton was scheduled to play catch for the first time in more than a week on Thursday, as well as take more swings for his surgically repaired right shoulder. Hamilton served as designated hitter in the team’s first Cactus League game on March 1, but then complained of soreness, causing the Reds to hold him out until the soreness went down.

Thursday morning, Hamilton said he’s feeling much better.

Outfielder and first baseman Kyle Waldrop, on the other hand, has been hampered by a groin injury.

“Those are the kind that there’s no quick fix, not like a guy coming in and saying his elbow or shoulder is stiff and then a day later he says, ‘I feel brand new,’” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “A groin is something that can be retriggered quickly. We just have to be conservative with it. He’s going to run today. That’s a step in the right direction and we have to see how he comes out of that. There’s no lateral cutting or anything that would exasperate the problem. It’s kind of baby steps at this point.

Reds' Jay Bruce, Joey Votto working on bunting this spring

TRIAL BY FIRE: Some of the Reds’ top pitching prospects — Robert Stephenson, Sal Romano, Rookie Davis and Layne Somsen — will be pitching against the Cubs in Mesa, Ariz., on Friday.

While pitching in front of a full house at Sloan Field - where Cubs fans have been setting attendance records this spring - wasn’t part of Price’s thinking when splitting the teams for Friday’s two games, it is a happy byproduct.

“Pitching against the Giants in Scottsdale and Cubs in Mesa, 12,000-15,000 per venue right on top of you, it isn’t the worst thing in the world for a young guy who is probably going to be tasting some big league time if he performs well,” Price said. “I think there’s some benefit to it. I’ve not put it in that situation because of the attendance or the environment.”

Stephenson will be making his third start, with one coming in a “B” game against Cleveland. In his lone Cactus League start, the right-hander threw two scoreless innings against Cleveland, allowing a hit and a walk with two strikeouts on March 2. He threw two scoreless with one hit and two strikeouts in the “B” game on March 6.

Davis, acquired in the Aroldis Chapman trade, will make his Cactus League debut at the Cubs. He appeared in a “B” game against Cleveland on March 5, throwing two scoreless innings with one hit and two strikeouts.

Right-hander Jon Moscot will pitch in the game in Goodyear against Oakland. Left-hander Amir Garrett is among the other Reds pitchers slated to start in the game.

Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen scratched due to elbow tenderness

SMALL CHANGES: Yorman Rodriguez showed off his strong throwing arm in Wednesday’s game against the Rangers, throwing out Shin-Soo Choo at third from right field. Rodriguez has always had a strong arm, but a small change is helping his accuracy. Rodriguez said he sometimes had his index and middle fingers together when throwing the ball, so he’s made a concentrated effort to separate them, helping his accuracy.

“He’s worked hard on his throwing,” Price said. “I know just recently he changed the way he’s gripping the ball. He was having some — he had some concerns his ball was cutting and he was throwing a lot of balls down into the ground.”

The throw on Friday was on the money, making it easy for Eric Jagielo to apply the tag in plenty of time for the out.

Rodriguez was also 1-for-2 at the plate, improving to 3-for-12 on the spring.

STOWE REMEMBERED: A.J. Allmendinger’s No. 47 NASCAR car bearing a memorial sticker for former Reds clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe was in camp on Thursday en route to a promotional appearance in Goodyear, Ariz. NASCAR’s Good Sam 500 takes place near the Reds’ complex on Sunday.

Allmendinger’s car had the sticker for its run at the Daytona 500 and will again feature it during this weekend’s race.

“It’s unbelievable — what an honor,” said Rick Stowe, Bernie’s son and current clubhouse manager.

Bernie Stowe died Feb. 20 at the age of 80.

Bernie Stowe, longtime Reds' clubhouse manager, passes away

Rick Stowe noted that his father “would be embarrassed” by the honor, but he and his family have appreciated the outpouring of support they’ve received from the Reds and Reds fans. The Reds have placed a plaque honoring Stowe outside the team’s clubhouse in Goodyear.

“It’s overwhelming,” Stowe said. “The response has knocked my socks off.”