Report: Scott Rolen could return to play for Reds this season

Scott Rolen could return to play with the Reds this season. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Third baseman Scott Rolen is interesting in playing in 2013, The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Fay reported on Thursday.

Cincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told Fay that Rolen is interested in returning and confirmed the team’s mutual interest.

“I think there’s a chance we get something worked out,” he said. “We’re talking about the details — how much opportunity is there.”

Rolen will turn 38 shortly after Opening Day. He has played the last three-plus seasons with the Reds, batting .245 with a .716 OPS and eight homers in 92 games. Rolen has been hampered by shoulder and back injuries throughout much of the past two seasons.

Complicating whether Rolen will return is the Reds’ commitment to third baseman Todd Frazier, the 26-year-old who batted .273 with 19 homers and an .829 OPS last season. Fay also reported that the Reds are approaching $100 million in total payroll.