Stephens was recalled from Triple-A Louisville prior to Saturday's start against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old righty has a 4.97 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 17.5 percent strikeout rate in the International League, so it could hardly be said that he has earned the promotion. However, the Reds' starting pitching depth is atrocious, and Stephens is on the 40-man roster, so he will serve as the sacrificial lamb against Eddie Butler and the Cubs in what should be a high-scoring affair.

Stephens will be called up to start for the Reds on Saturday against the Cubs, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander provided relief for the Reds' bullpen earlier this season but didn't appear before his demotion. Stephens, 23, has been saddled with a 4.97 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 33 walks in 76 innings, so -- like many other Reds prospect arms -- he still needs polishing. Logging his first big-league innings against the Cubs will offer a large test. The rebuilding Reds may give him a chance to earn at least a short-term role, but single-year fantasy interest should be limited to deep NL-only games.

Stephens was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

With Amir Garrett (hip) being activated from the disabled list, Stephens was hit with a minor-league option after spending just five days in the majors in which he did not make a relief appearance.

Stephens was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens compiled a 5.79 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through 10 starts (51.1 innings) with Louisville before being called up to the big club. The 23-year-old has primarily worked as a starter over his time in the minors, so he'll likely provide a long relief option out of the Reds' bullpen. Robert Stephenson was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Stephens was added to Cincinnati's 40-man roster Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephens compiled a strong season as a member of Double-A Pensacola's rotation, sporting a 3.33 ERA and a 131:41 K:BB ratio in 26 starts for the Blue Wahoos. That being said, there are a plethora of other pitching prospects in the Reds' system, so it could be tough for him to leap over the other high-profile arms next season.