 With Dan Driessen playing first base for the Reds, the team moved Spilman to third in spring training to compete for a backup infielder spot on the roster.Spilman ultimately didn't make the team and spent most of 1978 playing for the Class AAA Indianapolis Indians of the American Association, where he batted .295 with 144 hits, 13 home runs, and seven RBI.The Reds called him up in September, and he made his major league debut September 11, pinch-hitting in a 9-8 victory over the Houston Astros.