Tyler Stephenson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) was activated off the 10-day injured list prior to Friday's game against the Washington Nationals. In a corresponding move, the Reds placed outfielder Austin Hays (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list. Stephenson has been sidelined through the first month of the campaign but should be in line to make his long-awaited season debut on Friday. Last season, the backstop posted a solid .258/.338/.444 slash line with 19 home runs and one stolen base. Under the hood, he generated a solid 43.9 percent hard-hit rate with a 9.1 percent barrel rate, which were both above the average marks. He also drew walks at a 9.3 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Stephenson to operate as the top backstop in Cincinnati for the remainder of the season. However, he is best to fade in DFS this evening facing Mitchell Parker, who enters this contest with a 2.65 ERA.

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer. Stephenson worked out with Louisville over the weekend and is now ready to return to game action this week. The 28-year-old backstop hasn't played in a game since spring training in mid-March and opened the year on the 10-day injured list, so the Reds won't rush him back. In the meantime, veteran Jose Trevino will continue to operate as Cincy's primary catcher at the major-league level, with Austin Wynns backing him up. Although he has yet to make is 2025 debut, Stephenson is worth stashing in all fantasy leagues as one of the better power-hitting catchers in the league when he's healthy. He had a career-high 19 long balls and drove in 66 runs in 138 games in 2024.

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) could start a minor-league rehab assignment next Tuesday, according to manager Terry Francona. Stephenson is getting closer to making his 2025 debut with the Reds after suffering a left-oblique strain in mid-March in spring training. Barring a setback to his oblique when he resumes playing in games, the 28-year-old backstop could rejoin the big-league squad late next week. Stephenson is the Reds' starting catcher when healthy and should be stashed in all fantasy formats right now. Until he's activated from the injured list, Cincy will continue to roll with veteran Jose Trevino as their No. 1 catcher, with Austin Wynns backing him up. Last year in 138 games played, Stephenson hit a career-high 19 home runs and drove in a career-high 66 runs while slashing .258/.338/.444.