Tyler Stephenson's injury diagnosis put the Reds in a tough spot ahead of Opening Day

The Cincinnati Reds will be without starting catcher Tyler Stephenson to begin the 2025 season. Stephenson underwent testing on Thursday that revealed he suffered a low-grade oblique strain and will open the season on the injured list.

This was the last thing that fans throughout Reds Country wanted to hear. If there's one player the Reds can't afford to be without (aside from Elly De La Cruz), it's Stephenson. There is now a gaping hole on the Reds Opening Day roster.

Jose Trevino, whom the Reds acquired from the New York Yankees this offseason, will undoubtedly take over starting duties behind the plate. But while Trevino is a fantastic defensive catcher, his skills in the batters' box don't measure up to Stephenson.

Tyler Stephenson's injury diagnosis put the Reds in a tough spot ahead of Opening Day

The question now becomes who'll be Trevino's backup? Conventional wisdom suggests that Austin Wynns will get the call, but much like Trevino, he's a defensive-minded backstop. Wynns was 7-for-19 with Cincinnati last season, but has a career .609 OPS in 621 at-bats.

The Reds also have two other non-roster invitees who could be jockeying for playing time. Will Banfield showed off some pop this spring, with a massive home run during the first week of Cactus League play, but he's hitting a meager .154 after going 2-for-13. Michael Trautwein was already sent down to minor-league camp, and his 1-for-6 showing this spring won't instill much confidence.

Oblique injuries are tricky, and everyone responds differently. If you'll remember back to last season, it was an oblique injury that ultimately ended Matt McLain's 2024 campaign prematurely. While working his way back from shoulder surgery in August, McLain suffered an oblique injury during rehab which effectively ended his comeback bid. The word "mild" would seem to indicate the best-case scenario, but don't be shocked if Stephenson is out for at least a month.

Nick Krall may need to start making some phone calls in the coming days, or keep a sharp eye on the waiver wire. It's possible that old friend Luke Maile could be let go before the start of the 2025 season. The former Reds backstop is currently in camp with the Kansas City Royals.

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