Manager Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds...

Manager Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds is taking batting practice again, and says he will activate himself as a player if he thinks he can help the Reds by playing. But Rose, 46, who holds the major league record for hits with 4,256, says he won’t come back as a player just to add to his record.

“Let’s be honest,” Rose said. “Our left-handed pinch-hitters haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire, and it’s not for a lack of opportunity.”