The Reds optioned Stephenson to Triple-A Louisville following Thursday's game.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson tossed five innings and picked up the win in his big league debut Thursday, but he was simply being used as a spot starter, and will head back to Louisville for more seasoning. He is one of the Reds' top pitching prospects, so chances are good he will be back with the big club at some point later this season.

Stephenson will start Thursday's series finale against the Phillies, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Zach Buchanan reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds will send Stephenson down to the minors to ripen further, but he should be up again later this season when another need arises. This is a perfect opportunity for Stephenson to get a taste of the big leagues without completely throwing him to the wolves, as the Phillies should have one of the worst lineups in baseball this year. Everyone knows Stephenson has the pure stuff to succeed and even thrive in the majors, but his control will be what makes or breaks his potential future as a high-end starter.

The Reds recalled Stephenson from Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was called up to take the roster spot of Homer Bailey, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The 23-year-old's immediate role has not been confirmed, but a story came out Sunday saying he might receive a start this week, and with him now on the roster and the Reds short on starters, it appears that could come to fruition.

Stephenson has been promoted to Triple-A Louisville, according to RedsMinorLeagues.com. Stephenson has really righted the ship after a bumpy start to the season, posting a 2.36 ERA over his last 10 starts to lower his overall ERA to 3.68. Even during his hot streak his walk rate has been pretty high, but his K-rate has also gone through the roof. He might still get a September callup with the big club.

Stephenson, 22, has a 3.67 ERA and 71:33 K:BB ratio through 61.1 innings for Double-A Pensacola. Stephenson has been on a tear recently. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of the last seven starts for the Wahoos. Over his last three starts, Stephenson has posted a 25:4 K:BB ratio.

Stephenson struck out a career-high 11 in Saturday's start for Double-A Pensacola, but lasted just 4.2 innings, the Blue Wahoo's Blog reports. The problem for Stephenson was that once he again he struggled with his command, walking five. He needed 43 pitches to get through the first inning. For the season, Stephenson has a 5.26 ERA and 1.59 WHIP, with a 46:29 K:BB over 39.1 innings.