Zack Cozart played three innings of shortstop in his first spring training appearance of the year for the Cincinnati Reds. He also singled in two at-bats. The return marks Cozart’s successful recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.
Cozart tore knee ligaments running through first base on a ground ball last June. The injury limited him to just 53 games on the year. The 30-year-old was in line for a career year at the plate. He was on pace to hit 27 homers and drive in 85 runs over a 162-game projection.
The Reds are likely to ease Cozart back into full-time action during spring training. His readiness for the regular season is most relevant for his trade value. The Reds will likely look to move Cozart before this year’s trade deadline since he has just one more year of salary arbitration eligibility after this season.
The Reds made way for Cozart’s return this spring by shifting his 2015 replacement Eugenio Suarez to third base this year. Suarez looks like he will stick at third as a permanent replacement for traded All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier.
Rookie Jose Peraza has received time at short in Cozart’s stead during spring training. Peraza has played 22 innings at short so far this spring without an error.
Peraza could be Cozart’s heir apparent at short if Cozart is dealt this year. The 21-year-old Peraza was the centerpiece of the Frazier trade. The Reds will be looking to play Peraza as soon as possible to justify trading the face of their franchise in Frazier.
Peraza has also logged 15 innings at second base this spring. His big league path to second for the Reds is blocked by Brandon Phillips. The Reds were unable to trade Phillips this offseason.
Peraza might be more likely to be the Reds’ second baseman of the future once Phillips departs. Until then, Cozart might be the Reds’ incumbent starter replaced by Peraza first.
Robb Hoff writes about the Cincinnati Reds for OutsidePitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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