CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds have placed outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain and activated catcher Tyler Stephenson on Friday.
Hays, who has been off to a hot start with a .365 batting average, five homers, and 13 RBIs over 13 games, sustained the injury while running the bases during Monday’s 3-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. His IL designation is retroactive to Tuesday.
Stephenson, sidelined since the season’s start with a left oblique strain, returns after appearing in 138 games last year—127 as a catcher.
“We’re really excited to get Stephenson back. He’s a key part of our lineup, especially with Hays out,” said manager Terry Francona ahead of Friday night’s game against the Nationals. “That veteran right-handed bat means a lot right now.”
Stephenson, who posted career highs in 2024 with 26 doubles, 19 home runs, and 66 RBIs, will now share catching duties with Jose Trevino (.324) and Austin Wynns (.394 in 12 games).
Francona noted that carrying three catchers is likely temporary. “It gives us flexibility. If we DH one, we can pinch run without much risk,” he said. However, he ruled out the possibility of Stephenson playing first base.
