The Cincinnati Reds made an essential statement on Friday, exposing the reinstatement of catcher Tyler Stephenson from the hurt list. After withstanding an oblique pressure suffered throughout spring training, Stephenson has actually missed out on the totality of the existing season approximately this point. However, this favorable news includes a drawback for the Reds, as outfielder Austin Hays, who has actually been carrying out extremely well, will now be put on the 10-day hurt list due to a left hamstring pressure. This choice is retroactive to April 29, which implies his lack will be felt instantly.

With the return of Stephenson, in addition to strong efficiencies from backups Jose Trevino and Austin Wynns, the Reds will momentarily keep a lineup that consists of 3 catchers. Stephenson, who boasts significant experience in the beginning base, might perfectly suit that position if the group chooses to use him there. Moreover, his excellent batting abilities make him a strong prospect for the designated player function. Last season, at the age of 28, he rebounded from a difficult 2023 project to accomplish a batting line of .258/.338/.444 (112 wRC+), striking 19 crowning achievement over 515 plate looks. Since his big league launching in 2020, he has actually preserved a profession batting average of .267 with an on-base portion of .343 and a punching portion of .427, showing a wRC+ of 106.

This marks the 2nd stint on the hurt list for the 29-year-old Hays, who has actually been an extraordinary property when healthy. He at first began the season on the IL due to a calf pressure in his left leg and has actually considering that controlled opposing pitchers with a remarkable .365/.431/.712 efficiency throughout the 2 IL durations. In simply 58 plate looks, Hays has actually currently notched 5 crowning achievement, while likewise accomplishing a career-high walk rate of 10.3% versus a workable strikeout rate of 22.4%. His capability to produce offense is important for the Reds as they browse these injury obstacles.

Hays signs up with the ranks of other possible Reds regulars presently on the hurt list, consisting of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario, both of whom are coming to grips with back injuries. With this trio sidelined, the Reds can tactically make use of a mix of Stephenson and Spencer Steer in the beginning base. In the outfield, gamers such as TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Gavin Lux will likely see a boost in their playing time, especially versus right-handed pitchers. Additionally, Steer, in addition to fellow right-handed players Blake Dunn and Santiago Espinal, can contribute efficiently in the outfield versus left-handed pitching, supplying the Reds with a flexible lineup to face their upcoming obstacles.