Phillips Traded to Reds

Infielder Brandon Phillips, a onetime starter who never fulfilled expectations in Cleveland, was traded by the Indians on Friday to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named or cash.

The clubs announced the deal shortly before the first pitch of the Indians’ home opener against Minnesota.

Phillips, 24, won the starting job in spring training and was at second base for the Indians on opening day in 2003. But he struggled and was sent back to the minor leagues at the All-Star break after batting only .210 -- the American League’s lowest average among qualifying players -- in 88 games.

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