Stephenson (oblique) worked out with Triple-A Louisville this weekend and is expected to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
Stephenson has been on the 10-day injured list since late in spring training and hasn't played in a game since mid-March. That length of absence suggests he'll require a significant amount of at-bats before rejoining the Reds roster -- maybe 20-to-30 at-bats over a week. As a comparison, the Rangers' Wyatt Langford missed the minimum 10 days and returned Sunday from a less-severe oblique injury after only six at-bats (two games).
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: One week away from rehab assignment
Rotowire
Reds manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Stephenson (oblique) could begin a rehab assignment in one week, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.
Stephenson strained his left oblique back in mid-March but appears to nearly be game-ready. He will require a handful of rehab contests to knock the rust off but should be ready for his season debut before the end of April if all goes well.
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: To begin ramping up soon
Rotowire
Stephenson (oblique) received more good news after undergoing an MRI on Monday, and he'll begin to be more aggressive in his recovery, Pat Brennan of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Stephenson is continuing to fight through a left oblique injury, but another MRI showed that he's moving in the right direction. The Reds have yet to disclose a concrete timetable for a return, though he'll likely need to see at least a handful of at-bats in the minors before being activated from the 10-day injured list.
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: MRI shows healing
Rotowire
Stephenson (oblique) underwent an MRI last Wednesday that showed his injury was 80 percent healed, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
Stephenson is scheduled to undergo a second MRI while the Reds on the road -- the trip runs from April 3 to 9 -- and there are no plans for him to travel with the club. In the meantime, Jose Trevino and Austin Wynns will continue to serve as the team's catchers.
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: Moves to IL
Rotowire
The Reds placed Stephenson (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.
Stephenson will be eligible for activation April 3, but it's unclear if he'll be ready to make his season debut by then while he continues to recover from a low-grade left oblique strain. He didn't appear in any Cactus League or exhibition games after suffering the injury in mid-March, so Stephenson will likely need at least a brief minor-league rehab assignment to pick up some at-bats before the Reds are comfortable bringing him back. In the meantime, Cincinnati will lean on Jose Trevino as its primary backstop, while Austin Wynns serves as the No. 2 option behind the dish.
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: Showing improvement
Rotowire
Stephenson (oblique) showed improvement after being examined by a team doctor Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Stephenson, who will open the regular season on the injured list, sustained a left oblique strain during spring training. He's been cleared to begin rotational exercises and is scheduled to undergo another MRI on Wednesday. If the MRI comes back clean, Stephenson can start doing additional exercises, which could include baseball activities. With Stephenson sidelined, Jose Trevino moves into the starting job at catcher with Austin Wynns serving as the backup, assuming the Reds don't add anyone from outside the organization in the coming days.
Reds' Tyler Stephenson: Headed to IL with oblique strain
Rotowire
Stephenson will open the season on the 10-day injured list after being diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Stephenson underwent tests for what had been described as a back injury, but an MRI revealed a strain to his oblique. That the strain is considered minor gives Stephenson a chance to keep his IL stint brief, but oblique issues can linger. With Stephenson out, Jose Trevino will open the season as the Reds' top catcher. Cincinnati has just two catchers on its 40-man roster, which leaves non-roster invitee Austin Wynns as a good bet to be the No. 2 backstop when camp breaks.
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: Undergoing MRI on back
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Stephenson will undergo an MRI on his injured back Thursday, Pat Brennan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Stephenson had to be scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League lineup against the Rangers. Reds manager Terry Francona downplayed the injury at the time, but it seems Stephenson hasn't bounced back as quickly as hoped, necessitating the MRI. Francona said the team should have an update on Stephenson's condition later Thursday or Friday.
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Reds' Tyler Stephenson: Scratched Wednesday
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Stephenson was scratched from Wednesday's lineup because of lower-to-mid back pain, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Stephenson was scheduled to be the designated hitter and was replaced by Blake Dunn. Cincinnati manager Terry Francona downplayed the injury, indicating Stephenson will be fine and that there was no need to push him.
New Reds manager Terry Francona doesn't intend to use Stephenson as a first baseman on days he's not catching, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Stephenson will still get some reps at DH when Jose Trevino is behind the plate, but Francona wants to keep Stephenson off the field when he's not catching. The practical consequence of this is that Stephenson could get fewer plate appearances, especially with the Reds carrying a legitimate backup in Trevino.
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