Stephens allowed three runs on five hits and two walks and did not notch a strikeout over three innings in a no-decision against Miami on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

With Atlanta locked into a first-round playoff bye, manager Brian Snitker opted to give Stephens his first major-league start since 2017. The right-hander gave the team three innings but needed 56 pitches to get through those frames. Stephens worked mostly in middle relief for Atlanta this season, though he did record two saves and two holds along with three wins while posting a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 53.2 innings. Prior to Wednesday he had pitched six straight scoreless outings covering 6.2 frames, bolstering his chances at a roster spot for the NLDS.

Stephens will serve as Atlanta's starting pitcher in Wednesday's game in Miami, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Brian Snitker likely would have turned to Max Fried (illness) to take the hill Wednesday if playoff positioning was still on the line, but the southpaw will instead get some added time to rest up after Atlanta clinched the National League East crown Tuesday. As a result, Stephens will get the chance to open Wednesdays' contest in what will be his first MLB start since 2017, when he was a member of the Reds. Stephens has maxed out at 3.1 innings over his 16 appearances in the second half, so he might not work more than once through the batting order.

Atlanta reinstated Stephens (concussion) from the 7-day injured list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Right-hander Bryce Elder was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to clear room on the active roster for Stephens, who had been on the shelf since Aug. 27. The 28-year-old has been a useful piece out of the Atlanta bullpen this season, logging a 3.89 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 44 innings to go with two saves and two holds over 32 appearances.

Stephens was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens was hit in the head by a comebacker during Friday's matchup against the Cardinals, and he'll be unavailable for at least a week after being diagnosed with a concussion. Jay Jackson was recalled to take Stephens' place in the bullpen.

Stephens exited Friday's game against the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth inning after being hit in the head by a comebacker, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens was able to walk off the field under his own power after being checked out by trainers, but he was still removed from Friday's matchup after allowing three runs on four hits and a walk while failing to strike out a batter in one-third of an inning. The right-hander will presumably be evaluated for a concussion, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time.

Stephens earned the save, striking out one in three innings while allowing a hit in Tuesday's 10-4 win in Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens came on in the seventh inning with the Braves leading 9-4 and finished off the Nationals for his second three-inning save of the season. The righty typically works in low leverage situations and made the most of his opportunity to tally a save. After a three-year absence from big-league action, the 28-year-old has put together a solid 2.61 ERA and 21:5 K:BB in 22 innings.

Stephens (0-1) was stuck with the loss Sunday against the Padres, giving up four runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk over two innings of relief. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

He entered the game to begin the 10th inning and had few problems, but things spiraled out of control for Stephens in the 11th after a leadoff double by Ha-Seong Kim. The right-hander had been solid in a long relief role for Atlanta until Sunday, and he carries a 3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 12 innings with one three-inning save on his ledger.

Stephens' contract was selected by Atlanta on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens owns a 4.83 ERA in 63.1 career major-league innings, the last of which came in 2018. He'll likely fill a low-leverage bullpen role for now.

Stephens signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Wednesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens posted a 1.82 ERA over 49.1 innings while playing in the Venezuelan Winter League this year, and he apparently showed enough to warrant a look from the reigning World Series champions. The 27-year-old appeared in 36 big-league games for the Reds between 2017 and 2018, and he had a 4.83 ERA in 63.1 frames.

Stephens cleared waivers Monday and was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens pitched at least 25 innings in the big leagues in both 2017 and 2018 but did not see another opportunity in 2019. He spent the entirety of the year with Louisville, where he posted a 5.14 ERA in 84 innings.