Unnerving spring training injury could test Reds depth at their weakest position

If there's one player the Cincinnati Reds can ill afford to lose, it's Tyler Stephenson. The Reds catcher was scratched from Wednesday's game and replaced by Blake Dunn after suffering some back pain prior to the game against the Texas Rangers.

Reds manager Terry Francona was dismissive of the injury initially, signaling that Stephenson was going to be fine. However, it was revealed on Thursday that Stephenson will be undergoing an MRI just to be sure that Francona's assertion is correct.

Injuries are part of the game, and most teams have enough depth built into the roster to weather the storm if a player falls victim to a stint on the IL. But of all the players on the Reds roster, Stephenson is arguably the most indispensable.

The Reds cannot afford to lose Tyler Stephenson

While it would be a crushing blow to the Reds to lose superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz for any length of time due to injury, if there's one thing Cincinnati has, it's shortstops. One of Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, Santiago Espinal, or even Edwin Arroyo could step in on a temporary basis and at least help to lessen the blow.

But if Stephenson misses any time, the Reds have no real depth outside of back up catcher Jose Trevino. The former New York Yankees backstop is a fine defender behind the plate, but his bat doesn't offer near the production of Stephenson's.

If you're looking for help from the Reds farm system, turn the other way. Alfredo Duno, Cincinnati's top catching prospect, is years away from making an impact at the big league level. The Reds have drafted a number of catchers in recent years, but none are anywhere close to being major league-ready.

If Stephenson was forced to miss any time, the Reds would likely turn to one of Will Banfield, Michael Trautwein, or Austin Wynns. None of those options are stellar, with all three having major holes in their game.

Hopefully the MRI comes back clean, and Stephenson just needs some extra rest over the next couple of days. But if Steve-o lands on the IL, don't be shocked if Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall gets on the horn in search of an upgrade behind the dish.

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