It’s September, and the rosters have expanded. This year, the Cincinnati Reds called up reliever Logan Ondrusek, infielders Didi Gregorius and Henry Rodriguez, outfielder Denis Phipps, and catcher Devin Mesoraco. In addition, on Tuesday the team will activate left-handed pitcher Tony Cingrani.

With the exception of Ondrusek and Mesoraco, though, don’t expect the other guys to get much playing time.

“It’s a great time to learn how to play, where to play and notice mistakes,” Baker said. “If you pay attention, you learn a lot. They’re all pretty attentive young men. I explained to them some of the perils of being in the big leagues versus in the Minor Leagues.”

All four will be in the majors for the first time. And with the Reds working on wrapping up both a division title and home field advantage in the playoffs, it would be wise to use the rookies prudently. Once the Reds do clinch, I imagine the rookies will give the veterans some time off to rest up for the playoffs. Of course, all the additional players will free manager Dusty Baker up to meddle in the game more in the later innings.