CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) – Jay Bruce returned to right field and hit another two-run homer on Tuesday afternoon, and Johnny Cueto extended his winning streak against Chicago as the Reds swept both games of a doubleheader with the Cubs.
Bruce and Cueto led Cincinnati to a 4-2 victory in the opener and the Reds returned to take Game 2 6-5.
The Reds put first baseman Joey Votto back on the disabled list before the game, hoping a strained muscle above his left knee will heal enough to let him play this season.
Catcher Brayan Pena was activated off the paternity list and will be a primary fill-in at first base while Votto is gone. They’re using different players — including Bruce — at the position for now.
Bruce played first base for the first time since high school and hit a two-run homer in his final at-bat during a 9-3 win on Monday night in the opener of the five-game series. He was back in the outfield and homered again in the first inning off left-hander Travis Wood (7-7).
Votto earlier missed 23 games while on the DL with a strained muscle above his left knee. Tests found he has aggravated the injury.