Casali went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Tuesday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Casali homered in the eighth inning off Casey Sadler, his second home run of the campaign. He's gotten consistent playing time early this season, but Tucker Barnhart was activated from the paternity list Tuesday. As a result, Casali will likely see his playing time decrease significantly.

Casali will start at catcher and bat ninth Monday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Casali is picking up his fourth start behind the dish in as many days while top backstop Tucker Barnhart (personal) remains on the paternity list. He's slugged a home run and reached base at a .417 clip through the Reds' first three games, but Casali will lose nearly all of his fantasy value once Barnhart is back in the fold.

Casali will get the start behind the plate for Friday's season opener against the Tigers, batting ninth.

EDGE Analysis

Casali started 57 games as the Reds' catcher last season, compared to 87 for Tucker Barnhart. It's possible that his Opening Day start is a sign that Casali will be the personal catcher for his college teammate Sonny Gray this season, though it's also possible that the backstops' workloads will be more equal this year. Casali did outhit Barnhart in 2019, posting a .251/.331/.411 slash line compared to Barhnart's .231/.328/.380 mark.

Despite struggling this spring, slashing .118/.318/.118 in 22 plate appearances, Casali's roster spot for Opening Day was secured when the Reds optioned Tyler Stephenson to Triple-A Louisville.

EDGE Analysis

This was never really a job battle, at least to start. But Casali could be at risk later in the season should Stephenson thrive at Louisville. There are some rumors, however, that MLB will expand rosters to account for an accelerated return to action, which would then allow the Reds to carry three catchers and possibly promote Stephenson to the big-league squad.

Casali and the Reds avoided arbitration with a one-year, $1,462,500 deal Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Casali hit well enough for a catcher in 84 games last season, posting a .251/.331/.411 line with eight homers. He looks set to split time with Tucker Barnhart again this season.

Casali (hamstring) was activated from the injured list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Casali had been on the injured list since July 18, originally due to a knee injury. However, he suffered a hamstring strain in his rehab assignment and had been working back from that most recently. Casali should return to his backup role behind Tucker Barnhart.

Casali (hamstring) will report back to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday to resume his rehab assignment, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Working back from a sore right knee, Casali appeared in two games for Louisville a little over a week ago before being pulled off the assignment after he sustained a left hamstring strain. The hamstring tweak was apparently only minor in nature, as he was able to resume baseball activities after a few days off. If all goes well during the rehab assignment, the 30-year-old could be cleared to rejoin the Reds for their series in Pittsburgh next weekend.

Casali (knee) suffered a left hamstring strain last weekend on his minor-league rehab assignment, but he's making good progress in recovering from that setback, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Casali was able to run the bases Friday without pain. He's expected to begin a new rehab assignment back at Triple-A Louisville next week.

Casali (knee) is expected to begin a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville on Friday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Casali has been inactive since July 18 due to right knee soreness. A mid-August return is becoming more likely for the veteran backstop who is slashing .253/.337/.420 in 172 plate appearances. Tucker Barnhart will likely split playing time with Casali once the latter is activated.

Manager David Bell said Sunday that Casali (knee) is "getting close" to resuming baseball activities, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Casali has been on the 10-day injured list since July 18 with the right knee issue and is expected to miss up to a month with the injury, per Sheldon. While the fact that Casali is progressing as anticipated suggests he's on track to return from the IL around mid-August, the Reds won't be able to pin down a target date for the backstop's return until he begins logging on-field work on a regular basis.