Tyler Stephenson's injury highlights the Reds' need for depth behind the plate

Tyler Stephenson exited Thursday's game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks after a foul ball hit his right hand. It was later revealed by Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, that the Cincinnati Reds catcher will sidelined for four-to-six weeks with a fractured thumb.

This is the latest in a rash of injuries for the Reds this season. Nick Senzel was already out of Thursday's lineup due to a back injury and Albert Almora Jr. left the game with a sprained shoulder.

Just when it looked like the Reds were starting to get healthy, the injury bug hops up and bites again. Jonathan India and Donovan Solano will be returning to Cincinnati's lineup soon, as will utility player Max Schrock.

Losing Tyler Stephenson illustrates the Reds' need for depth behind the plate.

With Tyler Stephenson now out of commission for the next month-plus, the Cincinnati Reds will be forced to turn to Aramís García behind the dish. The former San Francisco Giants' prospect turned in a terrific spring training and earned a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster.

But, as a part-time player throughout the 2022 season, García's batting average is sitting at just .169 after the former second-round pick went 0-for-2 today after replacing Stephenson midway through the game. García was robbed of a hit in the eighth inning when Alek Thomas tracked down a would-be double off the bat of García.

So, tomorrow the Reds will have to make a decision. Do they recall catching prospect Mark Kolozsvary from Triple-A Louisville or select the contract of Sandy León" Neither is an ideal option.

Kolozsvary had just one hit during his time with the big league club earlier this season and is currently hitting just .204 with the Louisville Bats. He does, however, have a respectable .717 OPS and is lauded for his defensive skills behind the plate.

León, who was signed earlier this season, has been even worse at the dish. The 33-year-old veteran is hitting .193 with a .590 OPS and just one home run on the season for Triple-A Louisville.

This conundrum highlights Cincinnati's need for depth at the catcher position. According to MLB Pipeline, the Reds have three catchers ranked among their top 30 prospects in the farm system. The problem is, none of those three have played above A-Ball.

Jackson Miller has seen a minor league field since the Reds drafted him in 2020. Daniel Vellojin, while talented, is just getting his feet wet at Low-A Daytona. Matheu Nelson, Cincinnati's most advanced catching prospect is currently at High-A Dayton and struggling at the plate.

For those who would advocate for Kyle Farmer, forget it. He's a shortstop now and should only don the tools of ignorance in an emergency. The Reds are going to be stuck with Aramís García as the starting backstop for the next four-to-six weeks.

This is major blow for Tyler Stephenson and the Cincinnati Reds. The 25-year-old was looking like a surefire bet to make the All-Star team, but that's unlikely after suffering a broken thumb.