Reds, Indians finish in tie

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz.

Mike Napoli singled twice and scored in his first exhibition game for the Cleveland Indians, who played to a 4-4, nine-inning tie with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Napoli was signed as a free agent and is expected to share first base and DH duties with Carlos Santana. Napoli singled off Cody Reed and scored on a double by Jesus Aguilar.

Eugenio Suarez, who is moving from shortstop to third base for the Reds, doubled for the third time in two games.

“Eugenio is smart enough to know this is an opportunity for him to be an everyday big league player,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “It’s a selfless act on his part to change positions but it’s also a smart thing to do.”

Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez homered off Jumbo Diaz. Anthony Recker also homered off reliever Caleb Cotham, who came to the Reds in the trade for Aroldis Chapman. Ramirez is also moving to third base with the emergence of Francisco Lindor at shortstop.

“Ramirez put a good swing on it,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “He had an even better day before the game started. He was diving for balls in drills. Sometimes the work before the game is more important than what you do in the game.”

Jake Cave, who is battling for a job in leftfield, singled in two at bats for the Reds. As a Rule 5 draft pick out of the New York Yankees system, he must be carried on the 25-man roster all season or be offered back to the Yankees. Cave has three hits in the Reds’ first two games.

Joba Chamberlain pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout. He signed a minor league contract with the Indians in December.

Reds speedster Billy Hamilton went 0 for 2. He will alternate between designated hitter and center field until his shoulder is 100 percent after surgery in September.