Reds’ Brandon Phillips gets into it with the Cardinals

Brandon Phillips was in the middle of a first-inning altercation between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals.

The Reds’ second baseman had words with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina when he came to the plate to lead off the bottom of the first inning Tuesday night. It escalated into a bench-clearing confrontation, although no one was ejected.

Phillips opened the series by saying he hated the Cardinals, whom he called complainers. Reds Manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday he wished Phillips hadn’t made the comments, and told him so.

Phillips’ comments got some attention in the media but didn’t affect the opening game. St. Louis won, 7-3, on Monday night, with Phillips going 0 for 5 and failing to get the ball out of the infield.

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The Reds will see if right-hander Homer Bailey can pitch out of the bullpen. The former first-round draft pick is on a rehabilitation assignment in the minors, working his way back from shoulder inflammation. He’s been on the disabled list since May 24. … Boston Red Sox infielder Dustin Pedroia is running at full speed and could begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend. … New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is expected to miss some time to be with his wife for the birth of their child. … Texas Rangers pitcher Dustin Nippert could soon get back on the mound after experiencing headaches and dizzy spells from taking a line drive to the head three weeks ago.