Catalyzes the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of 2-oxoglutarate, phenylpyruvate and (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate, leading to the respective 2-hydroxycarboxylate in vitro. Shows a preference for NADPH over NADH as a redox partner. Do not catalyze the reverse reactions. 2-hydroxyglutarate + NADP(+) = 2-oxoglutarate + H(+) + NADPH 2-hydroxyglutarate + NAD(+) = 2-oxoglutarate + H(+) + NADH 3-phenyllactate + NADP(+) = 3-phenylpyruvate + H(+) + NADPH 3-phenyllactate + NAD(+) = 3-phenylpyruvate + H(+) + NADH (2R)-2-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate + NAD(+) = 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate + H(+) + NADH (2R)-2-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate + NADP(+) = 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate + H(+) + NADPH (2R)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactate + NADP(+) = 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)pyruvate + H(+) + NADPH (2R)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactate + NAD(+) = 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)pyruvate + H(+) + NADH Belongs to the LDH2/MDH2 oxidoreductase family.