Spencer Steer injury scare couldn't come at a worse time for the Reds

Cincinnati Reds infielder Spencer Steer was lifted from Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after taking an awkward swing during the top of the fifth inning. Steer's name has surfaced in numerous trade rumors of late, and with the August 3 deadline just over a week away, this potential injury couldn't have come at a worse time.

Steer swung at a 1-0 pitch from Cardinals' starter Kyle Leahy, and was immediately observed wincing. Home plate umpire Gabe Morales gave Steer a moment to collect himself, but then manager Terry Francona and head athletic trainer Sean McQueeney came onto the field.

After a brief conversation between Steer, Francona, and McQueeney, the decision was made to remove the Reds' super utility player from the game. Steer, who started at second base on Sunday, was replaced by Edwin Arroyo.

Reds slugger Spencer Steer exits vs. Cardinals just as trade rumors heat up

The Reds are reportedly shopping players who are on expiring contracts, and with two years of team control remaining beyond the 2026 season, it's somewhat strange to hear Steer's name linked to so many trade rumors. But it's those extra two years of team control, and a market starved for right-handed bats, that has made him a popular name as the trade deadline approaches.

A recent article published by the Seattle Times linked Steer as a potential trade target of the Seattle Mariners. Last year's AL West champions have tapered off a bit in 2026, but they're still in the playoff race and have struggled against left-handed pitching this season. Adding Steer's bat to the equation could help.

The only update given was "right wrist pain", and Francona will surely chime in on the full extent of Steer's injury after Sunday's affair against the Cardinals comes to a close. If Steer is limited during the coming days, or forced to miss time, that will likely take him out of any trade conversations that may have already begun.

Steer's injury status won't derail the Reds' trade deadline efforts to offload players who'll be free agents after the season. That includes players like Tyler Stephenson, Brady Singer, and Nathaniel Lowe. In fact, if Steer is no longer available in trade discussions, Eugenio Suárez — a right-handed hitter who's caught fire of late — could become another name to watch at the deadline.

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