Examining the Reds options to replace the injured Tyler Stephenson behind the plate

The Cincinnati Reds will need to replace Tyler Stephenson who will soon be placed on the Injured List with a broken thumb. Cincinnati has a couple of options, but which one makes the most sense?

With Stephenson out of action for the next four-to-six weeks, Aramís García will likely become the primary catcher for the Reds. But someone will need to back him up. No, not Kyle Farmer.

The Reds have two, and potentially three options sitting at Triple-A. Mark Kolozsvary, who's already spent time with the big league club this season, seems to be the most likely option. But what about the other two?

Which Reds minor league catcher should replace Tyler Stephenson?

Let's be clear, no one can replace what Tyler Stephenson bring to the table. The Cincinnati Reds backstop was well on his way to an All-Star nod before a foul ball ricocheted off his right hand resulting in a broken thumb.

Thankfully, the Reds are likely to have second baseman Jonathan India returning to the lineup in a few days. India's presence will definitely help ease the loss of Cincinnati's best hitter. But David Bell will still need someone to setup behind the plate.

Mark Kolozsvary filled in for Tyler Stephenson earlier this season after Luke Voit bulldozed the Reds' backstop during the team's early-season trip to San Diego. Kolozsvary appeared in six games and hit just .091. Defensively, Kolozsvary was unable to throw out two stolen base attempts and allowed one passed ball.

Another option the Reds have is former second-round pick Chris Okey. The former Clemson Tiger, who just recently hit for the cycle while playing at Triple-A Louisville is hitting .265/.325/.441 for the Bats this season.

Okey was in the same draft class as Nick Senzel and has yet to make his major league debut. Like Kolozsvary, Okey is right-handed hitter, but is known more for his glove than his bat. Defensively, however, Okey has seen 23 opposing players swipe a bag and has only thrown out two would-be base stealers.

The Reds have one more option to replace Tyler Stephenson and that would be veteran backstop Sandy León. The 33-year-old was signed to a minor-league deal earlier this season and has appeared in 20 games for the Louisville Bats.

León is hitting just .193 with 11 hits in 57 at-bats. He has three extra base hits and 10 strikeouts on the season. Both León and Okey are not part of the Reds 40-man roster, so a corresponding move would have to be made in order to add either catcher to Cincinnati's active roster.

None of the three options are ideal, as the Cincinnati Reds lack much depth at the catcher position. In the end, I'd expect we'd see Mark Kolozsvary join the roster later today, but Sandy León is a switch-hitter and that may sway the Reds' decision a little bit.