Stephenson (neck) will start for the Reds in their Cactus League matchup against the Diamondbacks on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was delayed for a few days at the start of camp after suffering a crick in his neck. The injury wasn't supposed to be serious and the issue appears to have gone away. Provided that there are no reports that the issue is lingering and affecting his performance, he should remain a favorite to grab a starting role this spring.

Stephenson is being held back in spring by a "crick" in his neck, John Fay of Cincinnati.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The good news is the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious, as manager Bryan Price noted the team is simply being cautious with the righty. "He's fine. The arm is great," Price said. "We're making sure the neck doesn't get him in bad habits." Stephenson is set to compete with the likes of Sal Romano, Amir Garrett, Tyler Mahle, Michael Lorenzen and Jackson Stephens for the Reds' final rotation spot. Assuming the neck issue doesn't affect his performance throughout spring, the 24-year-old Stephenson is one of the favorites to win the gig.

Stephenson will compete for the final spot in the Reds' rotation this spring, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Anthony DeSclafani, Homer Bailey and Brandon Finnegan entering spring at full strength following injury-plagued seasons and Luis Castillo reprising his role atop the team's rotation, it appears the Reds only have one starting spot to fill this spring. Along with Stephenson, the likes of Sal Romano, Amir Garrett, Tyler Mahle, Michael Lorenzen and Jackson Stephens should also get a look during camp. The 24-year-old appears to be one of the favorites to win the role after compiling a 4.68 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 84.2 innings last season, which included a 5-2 record and 2.74 ERA across his final eight starts.

Stephenson allowed two runs -- one earned -- on four his and two walks through five innings during Friday's loss to the Cubs. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson entered the contest with a 2.87 ERA and 10.8 K/9 through his previous seven starts, so while he failed to strikeout a batter and didn't take the win Friday, this was another solid showing. His strong finish was an encouraging development down the stretch for the Reds, and the 24-year-old righty projects to receive plenty of positive fantasy ink leading into the 2018 season.

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.