'We’re thrilled to have him back': Stephenson activated from IL

CINCINNATI -- Terry Francona was counting on Tyler Stephenson to carry a big load this season, not just behind the plate, but also as a big right-handed bat, and a veteran clubhouse presence. That was until a left oblique strain forced the 28-year-old catcher to the injured list in mid-March.

But following an eight-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville, Stephenson was back at Great American Ball Park on Friday, serving as the DH and batting seventh in the Reds’ series opener against the Nationals.

“We’re thrilled to have him back,” Francona said. “Gives us that veteran right-handed bat, especially with [Austin] Hays out. Ever since March, we haven’t seen him, so this will be good. We’re excited.”

Stephenson appeared in 138 games last season, delivering 46 extra-base hits and catching 127 games. He batted .258 with 19 homers, 66 RBIs and a .782 OPS in 138 games.

Asked what he missed most while he was out, Stephenson said, “Everything.”

“It feels like forever,” he said. “I’m healthy. I haven’t really felt anything since I’ve been back swinging. That’s exciting. Everything you love about this job, you miss it.”

After two rainouts in Louisville, it was tempting for Stephenson to declare himself ready, but he benefited from the extra time. And with the Reds' catching duo of Austin Wynns and Jose Trevino performing well behind the plate and producing offensively, there was no need for Stephenson to rush.

“Could I have come up and competed and done the best I could? Yeah,” Stephenson said. “But to go get the extra three games of at-bats, an extra 15 or 20 at-bats, I’m happy I did that.”

Stephenson batted just .107 in eight games at Louisville, but in the three games leading up to being activated, he walked five times and fanned just twice.

“I feel like when I am walking, I’m seeing the ball well,” Stephenson said. “These past couple games have been the best that I’ve felt leading up until now.”

The Reds will keep three catchers for the time being. Francona said the plan at least initially will be for Stephenson to DH against left-handers and catch against righties. Wynns and Trevino have helped make that plan a little easier for the Reds skipper.

“You leave camp a little concerned, losing one of your top guns,” Francona said. “Those guys have done such a good job, it really has helped us a ton.”

In a corresponding roster move Friday, the Reds placed Hays on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday, with a left hamstring strain.

Hays, who's batting .365 with five homers and 13 RBIs in 13 games, tweaked his hamstring while running the bases and scoring in the sixth inning on Monday.

“He’s actually doing really well,” Francona said. “There’s a decent chance that he can come off when it’s time. That’s the hope. He’s doing everything he can.”