FORT MYERS, Fla. — Outfielder Jay Bruce, one of the Cincinnati Reds' top prospects, was reassigned to their minor league camp today.

The 20-year-old Bruce was a possible candidate for the starting center field job. Manager Dusty Baker will now choose between Corey Patterson, Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel.

The Reds also optioned OF Drew T. Anderson and right-hander Marcus McBeth to Triple-A Louisville. Right-handers Josh Roenicke and Tom Shearn were reassigned to the minors.

The moves left the Reds with 44 players in camp, including injured left-hander Bobby Livingston and shortstop Alex Gonzalez, expected to miss the start of the season with a knee injury.

Bruce, who jumped from Single-A to Triple-A last season, hit .262 this spring with no homers and three RBIs.