Stephenson is starting at first base and batting cleanup in Wednesday's game against the Giants. He doesn't have a first-base mitt of his own and has to borrow one from teammate Mike Moustakas, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Joey Votto out and Moustakas available for pinch-hit duty only, the Reds have had to get creative with their lineups. Most of the time Kyle Farmer has been starting at first. Stephenson gives them an opportunity to perhaps find a little extra power.

Stephenson went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run during Thursday's loss to the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson finally got the Reds on the board with an eighth-inning long ball while pinch hitting against Lucas Gilbreath. Unfortunately, the deficit was still too much for Cincinnati to overcome. Stephenson now has two homers this season while batting .305/.349/.441.

Stephenson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson had caught two of the Reds' previous three games, going 3-for-8 between those contests. Though he boasts the more potent bat among the Reds' two catchers, Tucker Barnhart's superior defense should continue to earn him the overwhelming share of starts behind the dish.

Stephenson is playing roughly one-third of the time at catcher behind Tucker Barnhart, though manager David Bell suggested that ratio could change later, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson is off to a great start with the bat (5-for-12 with a homer), but so is Barnhart, and Barnhart is the better defensive catcher. As the season progresses, and the Reds face more left-handed starters, Stephenson could work himself into more playing time.

Stephenson will return to a bench role for Monday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Though Tucker Barnhart is back behind the plate for the series opener with Pittsburgh, Stephenson may have earned himself a larger share of playing time following a huge game Sunday. Stephenson posted a team-high three hits in the Reds' 12-1 win over the Cardinals, coming around to score three times while also driving in a run. Barnhart's defensive prowess is probably enough to keep him locked in atop the depth chart, but Stephenson's combination of power and on-base skills would likely make him one of the more intriguing fantasy catchers if he can capture a regular role at any point in 2021.

Stephenson looked good blocking balls in the dirt in Tuesday's spring training loss to the Rockies, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds were hesitant to play Stephenson behind the plate last season because of his defense, especially in comparison to the defensive skills of starter Tucker Barnhart. At the plate Stephenson went 0-for-2 with a walk Tuesday and is only 4-for-19 this spring, albeit with three walks. With Curt Casali gone, Stephenson is the clear backup to Barnhart right now.

Stephenson was optioned to the Reds' player pool Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson saw minimal playing time in recent games, and he'll now be removed from the active roster as the regular season winds down. The 24-year-old showed promise over a limited sample this season, slashing .294/.400/.647 with two home runs, six RBI and nine strikeouts over 17 at-bats this season.

Stephenson hit a two-run home run in a pinch-hit at-bat in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was called on with a runner on and two outs, and he delivered his second long ball of the 2020 season. Since being called up Sept. 8, he's 3-for-9 with four RBI and a walk.

Stephenson was recalled by the Reds on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The talented young backstop made his MLB debut back in late july, going 2-for-2 with a homer in his lone game. He doesn't have a clear path to playing time behind the plate down the stretch, with Tucker Barnhart and Curt Casali both healthy, but the Reds likely didn't call him up just to have him stuck on the bench, so he's likely to find his way into the lineup occasionally over the final three weeks.

Stephenson will be on the taxi squad for the Reds' weekend series, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson homered in his first major-league at-bat Monday but was optioned to the team's alternate training site Wednesday to make room for Mike Moustakas on the active roster. However, the 23-year-old catcher will be available as an emergency option over the weekend as the Reds prepare for their first road series of the season.