Kyle Farmer should not take over as the Reds' catcher while Tyler Stephenson is on the IL

Yes, Tyler Stephenson suffered a broken thumb on Thursday afternoon and will likely be out of action for the next four-to-six weeks. But no, Kyle Farmer does not need to become the Cincinnati Reds' starting catcher in his stead.

I really can't believe I'm writing this, but some of the Reds' fanbase on social media seem to think that it's a good idea to take one of the Reds best infielders and put him back behind the plate.

Okay, I get understand the premise. Kyle Farmer came up in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization as a catcher. Check! And yes, he's suited up as the Reds' starting catcher in the past. Check! But that's about as far as this conversation should go.

Yes, the Reds have plenty of players (Brandon Drury, Matt Reynolds, and Jose Barrero) that can play shortstop, but not many that can play catcher. But that doesn't mean Farmer should become the Reds' primary backstop.

Kyle Farmer should not become the Reds' primary catcher.

Kyle Farmer has not donned the tools of ignorance since 2019. He started nine games behind the plate for the Cincinnati Reds that season. If you'll remember, Farmer hit the IL shortly after taking over duties behind the plate because of a concussion he suffered while fielding the position when two foul balls ricocheted off his face mask .

The Reds then turned to Juan Graterol and Ryan Lavarnway as the dynamic duo behind the plate because both Tucker Barnhart and Curt Casali were on the IL as well.

Kyle Farmer has played five different positions over the past three seasons, none of them include him squatting behind home plate. Farmer has played all four infield spots and even spent a couple of innings in left field last season.

Now, if you want to enter a discussion that involves Kyle Farmer shifting over to third base so that Jose Barrero can get reps at shortstop, I'm all ears. But don't even think about Farmer being the Cincinnati Reds starting catcher.