Stephenson (5-6) was charged with four runs (two earned) on five hits over six innings in a losing effort against the Red Sox on Saturday. He struck out four and issued two walks.

EDGE Analysis

His own error led to one of the two unearned runs, and he benefitted somewhat from shadows on the field which made it tough on opposing hitters, but this was an encouraging outing nonetheless. The 24-year-old was able to limit the free passes, continuing a trend of improved control in recent starts. Stephenson has allowed five hits or fewer in each of his last five starts, with four of those coming at home. He lines up to face the Cubs at Wrigley Field in his final start of 2017.

Stephenson (5-5) pitched six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts during Sunday's win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson entered with an impressive 3.51 ERA and 11.6 K/9 through his previous five starts, so this was another strong outing from the surging righty. Don't be fooled by his year-long 5.01 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, Stephenson is a player on the rise. Unfortunately, a home start against the Red Sox and a road game against the Cubs are his projected matchups to finish the season. Stephenson is likely best viewed as a risky option for both starts.

Stephenson (4-5) was saddled with the loss Tuesday in St. Louis after allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts over three innings.

EDGE Analysis

A lack of command was Stephenson's downfall as usual, with this effort raising his BB/9 to an astronomical 6.12. The constant free passes have limited the 24-year-old righty's ability to work deep into games, as he's lasted just 41 innings in his eight starts this season. Even with a favorable home matchup against the Pirates on tap, Stephenson makes for a risky play in his next start Sunday.

Stephenson (4-4) walked five batters over six innings Tuesday, but he was able to hold the Brewers to a single run on four hits and pick up the win. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Control has certainly not been Stephenson's calling card, but his raw stuff has been helping him get by lately. He's collected four consecutive wins, allowing just six runs over 22.2 innings (2.38 ERA) in that span despite issuing 15 walks; it doesn't hurt that he's also struck out 28 in that time. Despite this fine run, Stephenson remains more of a promising future asset than a near-term play, but he'll make his next start Sunday against a Mets team that he only just beat to close out August.

Stephenson (3-4) earned the win over the Mets on Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out seven over six innings.

EDGE Analysis

He outdueled Jacob deGrom, facing just one batter over the minimum over his final three frames, and has now picked up wins in each of his last three starts. The 24-year-old is still walking batters -- he's issued 10 free passes in his last 16.2 innings -- and thus remains a high-risk play on a start-by-start basis. But Stephenson's been missing at a good clip lately and is finally starting to look like a viable major-league pitcher after initially failing to come close to meeting his prospect hype. With a strong September, Stephenson could effectively cement himself into the 2018 rotation.

Stephenson (2-4) notched the win Friday over the Pirates, allowing two runs on seven hits and four walks through 5.2 innings while striking out 11.

EDGE Analysis

The Ks were a career high for the right-hander, who has put together a 1.96 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 through four starts in August. Stephenson's control remains a work in progress, but his recent form offers some hope that he might yet develop into a reliable starter for Cincinnati rather than be relegated to the bullpen in the long run. He'll try to keep things rolling Thursday at home against the Mets.

Stephenson (1-4) allowed two runs, one of which was earned, on three hits and three walks while striking out three across five innings to earn the win Saturday against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was able to keep the Braves in check despite issuing three free passes. He's lowered his ERA by almost two full runs over his last four outings, and he's someone fantasy managers should keep an eye on, as he could be useful down the stretch. He'll make his next start Friday against the Pirates.

Stephenson will take the mound against Atlanta on Saturday, barring a relief appearance during Wednesday's game versus the Cubs, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was recently reinstated from the 10-day DL (shoulder) this past Sunday, and appears to be headed toward a return to the starting rotation, for one start at the very least. The right-hander came out of the bullpen during Sunday's game against Milwaukee, tossing two scoreless innings with a trio of strikeouts. His last start came Aug. 2 versus the Pirates, in which Stephenson tossed his best outing of the season -- allowing just one earned run while striking out four in 5.2 innings.

Stephenson (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson suffered a right shoulder contusion during his last start with the Reds on Aug. 2. The ailment only required a minimum 10-day stay on the disabled list and the 24-year-old is set to rejoin the team. Whether or not he'll rejoin the starting rotation is unclear at the moment.

Stephenson (shoulder) could be activated from the 10-day DL prior to Sunday's game against the Brewers, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson suffered a right shoulder contusion during his previous start against the Pirates on August 2, and was placed on the DL just a few days later. Although he's eligible for reinstatement Sunday, the club may choose to give him a little more time to recover and grant Sal Romano another opportunity on the mound. More importantly, Stephenson's arm feels fine and he should return to the field in the immediate future.