If Cincinnati catcher Tyler Stephenson needed proof that his fractured left thumb had healed, it came when he handled 101 mph fastballs from right-hander Chase Burns during a two-inning simulated game Tuesday.
“That was the big test,” Stephenson said. “The thumb’s good. It feels good to be back and competing again.”
Stephenson was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday, with catcher Will Banfield sent down to Triple-A Louisville. In another move, right-hander Joe La Sorsa was outrighted to Louisville. The timing is ideal, as the Reds open a key three-game set with the Mets, a direct Wild Card rival.
Manager Terry Francona confirmed Stephenson is ready for action, though the team will manage his workload. “He’s not going to catch every day, but he feels good,” Francona said.
The catcher sharpened up during a rehab stint with Louisville, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Wednesday’s 10-inning win over St. Paul. He caught seven frames in that game before serving as designated hitter the following night, when he added a 1-for-2 effort. Stephenson has also been using a custom protective sleeve inside his glove to ease pressure on his thumb.
“It’s more about pain tolerance at this point,” Stephenson explained. “I haven’t had any issues hitting, and mentally, that’s the biggest hurdle. Right now, I feel fine.” He also laughed off a bruise from being hit by a pitch during his rehab assignment.
Out since Aug. 20, Stephenson was hitting .226 with nine homers and 36 RBIs in 72 games before the injury. In his absence, Jose Trevino carried most of the catching load with Banfield backing him up. His return now gives Trevino a breather and injects a veteran bat into the Reds’ lineup at a crucial time.
“This weekend is a big opportunity,” Stephenson said. “These are the games you want to be in, where you control your own destiny. We’ve battled through a lot this year, and this is the group to go get it done. We’re excited.”
