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Reds sign Cliff Pennington for infield depth

Veteran can play SS, 3B, 2B
Posted at 1:15 PM, Feb 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-15 16:25:18-05

CINCINNATI – After losing their free-agent shortstop to the Angels, the Reds are signing a free-agent infielder from the Angels.

The Reds are giving 10-year veteran Cliff Pennington a one-year deal that would pay him $1.5 million if he makes the big-league club, considerably less if he plays in the minors, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.

The Reds don’t expect Pennington, 33, to replace All-Star shortstop Zack Cozart, who signed with the Angels in the offseason. Jose Peraza is penciled in at SS. But Pennington gives the Reds depth at shortstop, second and third.

The move seems to confirm that the Reds don’t expect to elevate Nick Senzel, their highly-touted infield prospect, to the Opening Day roster.

Pennington, a dependable fielder, spent the past two seasons with the Angels. A switch-hitter with little power, he hit 253/.306/.330 with three home runs and 21 RB in 194 at-bats last year.

SEE Pennington's career stats.