Stephenson allowed two runs on two hits and a walk over two innings Monday against the Braves, Ben Weinrib of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson is battling for the final two bullpen spots for the Reds along with Wandy Peralta and Matt Wisler. Manager David Bell said before the game that Monday's outing wouldn't be the sole determinant of who gets the spots. "I don't think that's the best way to make a decision," Bell said before the game. "That being said, it has come down to the last day, and that's because we're trying to make the best decision we possibly can, and it's a difficult one. You never want to make a decision based on one day."

Stephenson (shoulder) made his spring training debut Tuesday night, throwing a scoreless inning against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

That Stephenson pitched in a major-league spring training game instead of a "B" game might indicate that the team isn't viewing a DL trip to begin the season as a possibility. With him out of options, the Reds' choices on what to do with him are limited.

Stephenson (shoulder) threw 11 of 15 pitches for strikes in a "B" game Friday against the Indians. Afterward manager David Bell called the outing a great sign, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson still has a long way to go to ramp up for the regular season. He's out of options, so if he's not ready to go he'll either have to go on the injured list or clear waivers before Opening Day.

Stephenson (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch Thursday in a "B" game versus the Indians, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's the first game action of any kind for Stephenson, who has eased along slowly this spring after reporting to camp with an inflamed right shoulder. The shoulder issue may have damaged Stephenson's chances of breaking camp with the big club, but if he experiences no setbacks Thursday and in any Cactus League appearances that might follow, he may not need much rehab time at Triple-A Louisville before joining the Cincinnati bullpen.

Stephenson (shoulder) will be required to throw another live batting practice session Sunday before taking the next step of getting into a game, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson had a previous batting practice session Thursday, but he's definitely behind schedule in his attempt to be ready for Opening Day. Because he's out of options, it's pretty likely that the Reds could begin the season by putting him on the IL and having him go on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville to begin the season.

Stephenson (shoulder) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson has been behind his teammates for most of spring due to a shoulder injury. The Reds have been encouraged by his recent progress, and if everything goes as planned during Thursday's session, the right-hander's next step could be pitching in a game.

Stephenson (shoulder) still isn't scheduled for game action yet, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

That said, the Reds are encouraged with the work that he has been doing. "He's getting closer. He's progressing. Nothing but positive reports," manager David Bell said.

Stephenson (shoulder) is still behind his Reds teammates in workouts this spring but is getting closer, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I think he's real close to being back on a normal routine," manager David Bell said.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson has an uphill battle to make the Reds' Opening Day roster even without the injury, though that he lacks options works in his favor. He'll get stretched out as a starter even though he's not competing for the fifth starter's job.

Stephenson is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson really struggled with shoulder tendinitis down the stretch last season, so it's concerning that he's already dealing with it again this spring.

Stephenson is not expected to open the season in Cincinnati's starting rotation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager David Bell suggested the team's Opening Day rotation will comprise of Luis Castillo, Alex Wood, Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Anthony DeSclafani, leaving Stephenson to fill a long relief/swingman role for the big club if he wants to open the season in the majors. The soon-to-be 26-year-old posted a solid .287 ERA and 10.8 K/9 across 20 starts with Triple-A Louisville in 2018, though he struggled across four appearances (three starts) for the big club, posting a 9.26 ERA, 2.49 WHIP and 11:12 K:BB in 11.2 innings.