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Cincinnati Reds: Which pitcher derserves a rotation spot, Stephenson or Hernandez?

By Zach Houle |
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 2: Robert Stephenson
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 2: Robert Stephenson

The Cincinnati Reds’ rotation problems

The Cincinnati Reds have had a revolving door on the staff this season. Also, the Reds ranked dead last in ERA at 5.22. The starting five has been a solid mix of youngsters, as well as veteran guys. It is obviously a rebuilding year for this club as they look to claw back into contention. There is going to be growing pains for these players in order for them to compete at the Major League level. But, some of them have shown signs that they should be in Cincy, such as Robert Stephenson and Ariel Hernandez.

These young guys have shown dominance at the minor league level and deserve a look in the big leagues. The Reds have a blooming farm system that is churning out players who are Major League ready, but need some polish. Guys like Sal Romano and Amir Garrett are players that have shown potential, but need more time. They are an example of the Reds and their growing pains towards success. This club is stretching out the young arms again in another developmental season. If the youthful pitchers can perform, they will obtain a rotation spot for now and the future. So in the days ahead, there are rotation battles to watch out for. Let’s look into the Stephenson vs. Hernandez debate.

Cincinnati Reds’ hard throwing right hander

This season, Robert Stephenson has pitched in sixteen games. In that time span, the righty has compiled a 6.98 ERA and an 0-4 record. His problem throughout his career is if he can control all his pitches, and this year has been no different at 6.08 BB/9. He has a great fastball, but he needs to work his off speed into the equation to produce swing and miss stuff. His K/9 this season is one of the lowest of his career at 8.55. In his tenure with the big league club, he has accumulated a -0.5 WAR. That’s not good considering he has the same production of Pablo Sandoval’s tenure with the Red Sox.

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Stephenson needs to understand his mechanics and learn to pitch, not just be a guy who throws 95 MPH. The right hander should look back into his success as the Reds’ top prospect awhile back. Although, he was encouraging in his last appearance against the Pirates. In 5.2 innings, he struck out four and only one run given up. That’s the pitcher the Reds are looking for, one that will keep them in games. As he develops, the right hander has the potential to be a dominant reliever, or at least a number three starter.  The question what to do with him.

The Cincinnati Reds’ potentially dominant starter

Ariel Hernandez has shown flashes of dominant stuff in the minor leagues. But he is similar as Stephenson on one regard: command. At Double-A and Triple-A this year, the righty has a 5.45 and 9.53 BB/9 respectively. But, he is known for the way of the strikeout. He pitched to a 10.64 K/9 in Double-A. The fastball is a heat seeking missile which can reach the upper 90’s. Hernandez also has two off speed pitches, which is the curveball and changeup. The curveball is a legit plus pitch that can be thrown for strikes and in any count. His changeup is rarely thrown at 3.2%.

Next: Sal Romano could be the next player going back to Louisville

This is what Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com has to say about the young right hander: ” Consistency with his control is something to watch for given his history, but he’s generally been around the strike zone since he’s arrived in the Reds organization. Every so often he’ll run into problems there, but by-and-large he’s going to be close to the zone. This season he’s thrown strikes 61% of his pitches.” Again, it is just a matter of time for these young arms. They are and will continue to go through rough patches. The Reds have shown the willingness to take time on their plethora of developing starters.

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