Jake Bauers (shin) returned to the Brewers’ starting lineup for Friday evening’s showdown against the Reds.

Bauers missed each of the past three games due to shin splints, but he’s finally feeling better and is back in there at first base and batting fifth against Reds’ left-hander Andrew Abbott on Friday night in Milwaukee. The 30-year-old slugger has hit .268/.395/.490 with a career-high 24 homers and 78 RBI in 522 plate appearances in what has been a very productive season at the dish.