C. Trent Rosecrans

crosecrans@enquirer.com

CLEVELAND – Even on the days – and it's most days right now – that Donald Lutz isn't playing, he's learning.

Whether it's extra batting practice, extra fielding practice, watching video or even just watching the way veterans like Skip Schumaker and Ryan Ludwick approach each day, Lutz isn't going to waste his time in the majors.

"I'm pretty sure you can sit there and get frustrated at not playing every day, but that's not the way to look at it, you just have to take advantage of the chances you get," Lutz said before Tuesday's game against the Indians, the 29th time in the 38 games he's been up for this season where his name wasn't in the lineup.

Before Monday's game, Reds manager Bryan Price was talking about using everyone on his roster, before making a quick aside that "Donald Lutz may disagree." Price knows he's not using Lutz much and that Lutz would be better served by playing every day in the minors.

However, that's not possible with the way the Reds' 40-man roster is constructed at the minute. The only position players on the 40-man who are not hurt are catcher Tucker Barnhart, outfielders Yorman Rodriguez and Juan Duran, infielder Neftali Soto and the newly acquired infielder Jake Elmore.

For an outfielder and first baseman, Lutz is the best choice, as Rodriguez and Duran are even younger and less ready to play in the big leagues. Price thinks Lutz can be an everyday player in the big leagues, but he doesn't think now is the time. Unfortunately, he's got him here sitting on the bench.

"I think Donald would benefit from playing more regularly, but right now where we are with our 40-man roster, I think he's best suited to give us that bench support," Price said.

"The thing is, we're quite aware that developmentally speaking, Donald has a little way to go, but I think we all -- universally in the organization -- we think this guy has the physical ability to be an everyday major league player. Also, mentally, he's prepared -- he hadn't played in how many days and he comes in and smokes a double off of (Indians reliever John) Axford. That's something he's capable of doing."

Lutz, of course, would love to be playing more, but he's not frustrated and doesn't even look at it that way. Instead, it's taking advantage of his time here. The Reds have 11 members of the coaching staff that travel with the team plus a video coordinator – a minor league team typically does the same job with three – a manager, hitting coach and pitching coach.

Last year Lutz came up for nearly two months and his own critique of his performance while with the big league team is harsh. So even though he's in a similar situation this year, it's important for him to take advantage of the advantages that are at his disposal.

"I'm more comfortable, matured. I've found different ways to stay ready. (Coach) Freddie (Benavides) is in the cage with me every day throwing extra batting practice and any of the hitting coaches," Lutz said. "I try to do as much as I can to stay ready. Even mentally preparing, even if you get that one at-bat, mentally preparing to really take advantage of it. You have to find a medium between being aggressive and I'm usually not too aggressive. I just feel much more matured than last year. It's much easier to handle it."