Terry Francona's response sparks doubt that Reds infielder will return by Opening Day

If you were holding out hope that Spencer Steer will return in time to be part of the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster, it may be time to let go of that notion. Reds manager Terry Francona didn't exactly torpedo the idea completely, but his comments seem to indicate that Steer's status for Opening Day is in doubt.

Francona had this to say to reporters prior to Wednesday's spring training game against the Texas Rangers. “He’s champing at the bit and I get it. I actually respect it and love it. We just have to do the right thing. What that is, is we want his shoulder to tell us that - not Opening Day. And I know it’s hard. We’ll just keep watching it. What we don’t want to do is undo the good we’ve done."

So while Francona didn't outright say that Steer will open the 2025 season on the injured list, all indications are that's the direction things are headed. Steer hasn't played in a Cactus League since late last month after receiving a cortisone shot in his right shoulder. While Steer was able to swing the bat in the batting cage this week, his timetable to return to the diamond is still up in the air.

Terry Francona's response sparks doubt that Spencer Steer will be on the Reds Opening Day roster

Steer was supposed to be a key piece of this year's Reds team, and he still can be. While his status for Opening Day may be in question, his current injury doesn't appear to be one that will linger into the regular season. Cincinnati is able to back-date Steer's placement on the IL by three days, meaning that a 10-day IL stint could be more like seven if his shoulder improves within that timeframe.

Steer told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com that he hasn't given up hope. “I wouldn’t count it out yet, I really wouldn’t. But it’s getting close." The 27-year-old has never seen a day on the IL, so this would be a first for Steer if he's not part of the Reds Opening Day roster.

But if Steer begins the 2025 season on the IL, that would offer an opportunity to another player. With Cooper Bowman no longer on the roster, Steer's absence would probably affect the outfield more so than the infield. If TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, Austin Hays, and Stuart Fairchild are assumed to have four of the five spots on the Reds Opening Day roster, then Steer's potential placement on the IL could open the door for Will Benson or Blake Dunn.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors