Stephenson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson will head back to Louisville after compiling an 8.03 ERA and 27:16 K:BB over 24.2 innings of relief with the big club. The former first-round pick worked primarily as a starter before this season, so it's possible that he will be stretched back out as a starter with Louisville.