The Reds announced Friday that they’ve reinstated catcher Tyler Stephenson from the injured list. He’s missed the entire season so far due to an oblique strain he suffered in spring training. It’s not all good news for the Reds, however, as the corresponding move for Stephenson’s return is 10-day IL stint for hot-hitting outfielder Austin Hays. He’s dealing with a left hamstring strain, per the team. His IL placement is retroactive to April 29.
With Stephenson returning and backups Jose Trevino and Austin Wynns hitting well, Cincinnati will carry three catchers on the roster for the time being. Stephenson has plenty of experience at first base, if the Reds want to plug him into that mix, and he has more than enough bat to justify being deployed as a designated hitter. The 28-year-old bounced back from a down showing in 2023 to hit .258/.338/.444 (112 wRC+) with 19 home runs in 515 plate appearances last year. Since breaking into the majors in 2020, Stephenson is a career .267/.343/.427 hitter (106 wRC+).
This will be the second IL stint of the season for the 29-year-old Hays, who’s been on an otherworldly tear when healthy enough to take the field. He started the season on the IL with a calf strain in this same left leg but has decimated opponents with a .365/.431/.712 output between the two IL trips. Hays has already clubbed five homers in just 58 plate appearances, and he’s walking at a career-high 10.3% clip against a manageable 22.4% strikeout rate.
Hays is the third potential Reds regular on the injured list. He’ll join Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario, both of whom are dealing with back injuries. With that trio sidelined, the Reds can go with a combination of Stephenson and Spencer Steer at first base. In the outfield, TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley and Gavin Lux ought to see plenty of run — particularly against right-handed pitching. Steer and fellow righty hitters Blake Dunn and Santiago Espinal can contribute in the outfield against left-handed opponents.