Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Placed on Injured List with Thumb Fracture

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson has been placed on the injured list due to a small fracture on the tip of his left thumb. The injury, initially sustained last week while catching Hunter Greene, was aggravated during a bullpen session with Nick Lodolo on Tuesday night, with X-rays confirming the fracture. Stephenson, who is batting .226 with nine homers and 36 RBIs in 72 games, will be evaluated by a hand specialist on Thursday. Jose Trevino is expected to take over as the starting catcher, and Will Banfield has been called up from Triple-A Louisville to fill Stephenson's roster spot, marking his second IL stint this season.