For the first time since being traded to the Braves over the winter, second baseman Brandon Phillips returned to Cincinnati as a visiting player on Friday. He played 11 seasons there and was a three-time All-Star with the Reds.

How did the home fans welcome Phillips back to Great American Ball Park? With a standing ovation, of course. He was greeted warmly prior to his first at-bat Friday:

Phillips went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts Friday night and the Reds won that game in 10 innings (CIN 3, ATL 2). Phillips comes into Saturday hitting a rock solid .285/.333/.400 with three home runs on the season.

Prior to Friday's game Phillips met with the local media, and he said he feels insulted the Reds have already reissued his No. 4. It went to utility man Scooter Gennett. Here is Phillips talking about his return to Cincinnati and being upset someone else is wearing his number:

"I still can't believe that No. 4 -- that someone's wearing my number -- I think that's like a slap in my face, but it is what it is," said Phillips. "I'm wearing Cincinnati on my chest and I'm always gonna be Mr. Cincinnati."

There's no doubt Phillips was a very productive player for a long time with the Reds, and he still makes his home in Cincinnati. The Reds worked out several trades over the years that Phillips vetoed with his no-trade clause because he didn't want to leave the team. He put down roots in Cincinnati.

Personally, I agree with Phillips that it is a bit of an insult to reissue his number immediately. The Reds don't have to permanently retire No. 4 or anything, but maybe wait a year before giving it to someone else? Or maybe until Phillips is retired? Reissuing No. 4 right away makes it seem like Phillips was just another player when he clearly wasn't.

The Reds are free to do whatever they want with their uniform numbers, of course. They decided to reissue No. 4 and that's their right.