Tyler Stephenson injury update breathes life into Reds playoff push

The Cincinnati Reds are really missing Tyler Stephenson — both in the lineup and behind the plate. That was never more evident than during the Reds' extra-innings loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks last week when manager Terry Francona refused to pinch-run for Jose Trevino in the 10th inning. Francona's decision — while admirable — may have cost the Reds a run, and perhaps even the game.

The Reds do not have a reliable backup catcher on the roster, or in the organization for that matter. Will Banfield made his Major League debut on Saturday, but the Reds can't afford to rely on an inexperienced backstop at this stage of the season with so much on the line.

Thankfully, it appears that Stephenson's injury may not end his season after all. After Reds fans heard that he'd suffered a fractured thumb, most of the Cincinnati faithful assumed his season was over. But the latest injury update revealed that Stephenson could be back in as little as 10-14 days.

Tyler Stephenson injury update breathes life into Reds playoff push

Though Stephenson has yet to receive any pitches — he plans to do that on Monday once the team arrives in LA — the Reds' backstop seems confident that he'll he'll be able to play through the pain. Stephenson saw a specialist in Arizona last week and was fitted with a protective guard for his left thumb.

If Stephenson's timeline holds, he could be back for the team's homestand next week, when the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets come to town. Entering play on Sunday, Cincinnati had fallen 2½ games back of the Mets in the NL Wild Card hunt.

The Reds are also hoping to have Nick Lodolo and Chase Burns back by that time as well. If you throw in the the potential (and necessary) call-up of top prospect Sal Stewart, the Reds could be gearing up for a September to remember.

The Reds' lack of catching depth has been a problem for years, and one that inevitably needs to be addressed once again this coming offseason. But if Cincinnati could get Stephenson back for the final month of the season, it could provide just enough of a push to thrust the Reds back into the postseason for the first time since 2020.

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