Cincinnati Reds: Robert Stephenson should be worried

Robert Stephenson’s spot on the Reds roster is in a precarious position.

Over the last week, it appears as though the Cincinnati Reds brass has hit the panic button. Left-hander reliever Cody Reed was designated for assignment before being dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays Friday night. Veteran free agent acquisition Pedro Strop made all of four appearances out of the bullpen before being designated for assignment as well.

However, the biggest surprise in recent days has been the decision to part ways with former first-round pick Phillip Ervin. The 27th overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft had a solid season last year prior to turning in a dreadful slash line of .086/.238/.086 in 35 at-bats to open the 2020 campaign.

Despite Ervin’s solid 2019 performance, it earned him very little confidence from the Reds front office. As a result, fellow first-round selection Robert Stephenson is probably having some sleepless nights of late.

Stephenson, the 27th overall selection in the 2011 MLB Draft has had an underwhelming career with the Reds, to say the least. Making his debut in 2016, Stephenson bounded between the rotation and the bullpen before being used exclusively as a reliever last year.

The early returns were positive and it appeared the Reds may actually reap some benefits from their first-round pick. The 27-year-old right-hander made 55 appearances out of the Reds bullpen in 2019 producing an excellent 125 ERA+ and fanning 81 opposing hitters in just 64.2 innings.

Stephenson led the Cincinnati Reds relief corps in WHIP at 1.036 and allowed only six hits per nine innings which was also the best mark among pitchers in the Reds bullpen. However, 2020 has been a different story.

Following his 2020 debut in which he allowed two runs including a homer while recording just out, Stephenson was placed on injured list due to a back strain. Since returning from the IL on Monday, Stephenson had two scoreless appearances against the Milwaukee Brewers before Friday’s meltdown versus the Chicago Cubs.

Entering last night’s game in the 9th inning with the Reds holding a 6-2 advantage, Stephenson allowed three runs on three hits including two gopher balls before manager David Bell mercifully took the ball from him to hand over to closer Raisel Iglesias to record the final two outs and preserve a 6-5 victory. This is the type of performance Stephenson needs to avoid at all costs.

With the emergence in of right-handers Tyler Thornburg, Lucas Sims and rookie Tejay Antone in the Reds bullpen, David Bell has a plethora of options in addition to Stephenson. Additionally, beginning next year, Sims and Antone will come much cheaper than Stephenson.

Eligible for arbitration starting the 2021 season, Robert Stephenson will receive a healthy raise, if he’s on the roster, making 2020 a make or break year for his future a Redleg. For a pitcher who’s compiled a lifetime 10-13 record with a 5.08 ERA, it’s hard to imagine the Reds investing any additional dollars to secure Stephenson’s services in the Queen City.