Stephenson back Friday vs. Mets; Burns also coming along
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CINCINNATI -- The Reds got catcher Tyler Stephenson back for what could be a huge three-game series vs. the Mets that could keep their playoff hopes alive with a good weekend. And rookie pitcher Chase Burns may not be too much further behind him.
Stephenson began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday and went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run to center field during a 6-5 win over St. Paul in 10 innings. He also caught for seven innings before exiting the game.
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The Reds have been without Stephenson because of a fractured left thumb that put him on the injured list Aug. 20 (retroactive to the 17th). He had not felt pain while hitting but the thumb bothered him to catch.
Before ramping up his baseball activity, Stephenson's thumb was fitted with a custom-made protective sleeve that fits in his glove to reduce discomfort while catching.
In 72 games for the Reds this season, Stephenson is batting .226 with a .706 OPS, nine homers and 36 RBIs. In his absence, Jose Trevino has taken most of the starts behind the plate with rookie Will Banfield backing up.
On Tuesday, Stephenson passed a final test by catching for Burns in a two-inning simulated game.
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Burns, 22, last pitched for the Reds on Aug. 8 at Pittsburgh but has been on the IL because of a Grade 1 right flexor strain. He threw the equivalent of two innings in the bullpen on Saturday before facing hitters for the first time on Tuesday. He is scheduled to face hitters again this Saturday.
"And it will be a little bit longer version of the up and down," Francona said.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 Draft and former top Reds prospect, Burns is 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA in eight starts since debuting on June 24 vs. the Yankees. In 34 1/3 innings, the right-hander has racked up 57 strikeouts. That included 10-strikeout games in four of his past five starts.
Before Burns went on the IL, he was widely expected to move into a bullpen role after Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo returned from their injuries. Even though both pitchers are back healthy, it was unclear if that was still the plan for Burns.
"I’m sure they will make a decision when the time comes. It just depends," Burns said.
No matter what the role is, Burns put value on finishing the season with the Reds.
“I feel like I’ve been learning a lot," Burns said. "I want to get back in there and help the team win. Try to make this playoff push.”