Where will Spencer Steer play when Joey Votto returns to the Reds roster?

While Matt McLain has been utterly dominant since his big league debut, and fellow rookie Elly De La Cruz is grabbing all the headlines, Spencer Steer has arguably been the most consistent first-year player on the Cincinnati Reds roster.

Not only has Steer provided this Reds lineup with plenty of pop (he leads the team in home runs), but the 25-year-old rookie has been getting it done with the glove as well.

Steer's defensive metrics might reveal a different story, but seeing as how this season has been the first extended look the former Minnesota Twins farmhand has seen at first base, he's filled in quite well.

Where will Spencer Steer play when Joey Votto returns to the Reds roster?

But, as good as Spencer Steer has played thus far, when Joey Votto returns to the active roster, the six-time All-Star will reclaim his role as the Cincinnati Reds first baseman.

That's not to say that Votto won't also see time as the Reds designated hitter, but so long as Cincinnati is carrying three catchers, the lion's share of starts at first base will go to the former NL MVP.

So, where does that leave Steer? Fortunately, David Bell and Cincinnati coaching staff have been preparing for Votto's return. In the same way that Nick Senzel began getting reps in left field to accommodate the eventual call-up of top prospect Elly De La Cruz, Steer has seen time in the outfield as well.

Since the calendar flipped to June, Steer has started three games in left field. Throughout the season, Steer has also seen time at every infield position except shortstop.

On days when the Reds lineup features Tyler Stephenson behind the plate, Joey Votto could act as the team's designated hitter and Steer could pick up the slack at first base. But, when Stephenson is installed as the DH and Votto is in the lineup, expect to see Steer in the outfield.

Spencer Steer's bat, not his glove, is his carrying tool. Cincinnati Reds fans have already seen Elly De La Cruz play third base and shortstop, Matt McLain see time at the keystone, and Nick Senzel rotate between the outfield and the hot corner. Expect the same type of versatility from Steer once Votto returns to the Reds lineup.