Tyler Stephenson
Breakdown
Performance
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April 9, 2026
Sitting out matinee
Stephenson is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Miami.
Analysis
Stephenson had started each of the last four games for the Reds, so he'll get a breather in Thursday's series finale. P.J. Higgins is getting the start at catcher and batting ninth for Cincinnati.
April 7, 2026
Goes deep during win
Stephenson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's win over the Marlins.
Analysis
Stephenson provided key insurance with a solo homer in the eighth inning, extending Cincinnati's lead late. It was the catcher's second home run of the season and third RBI. After opening the year hitless in his first four games, the 29-year-old has begun to turn things around slightly with hits in three of his last four contests. Still, Stephenson is slashing just .167/.200/.417 through 25 plate appearances, making him a frustrating early-season option for fantasy managers.
April 4, 2026
Resting Saturday
Stephenson isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis
After hitting the game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Friday's contest, Stephenson will take a seat on the bench to begin Saturday's game. Jose Trevino will get the nod at catcher and bat ninth.
April 4, 2026
Plays hero Friday
Stephenson went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Friday's 5-3 win over the Rangers.
Analysis
Stephenson broke a 3-3 tie in the ninth inning with a two-run shot off Chris Martin that proved to be the game-winning homer. After opening the season 0-for-9, the 29-year-old has recorded hits in back-to-back games. While he's sat out two of the Reds' first seven contests, Stephenson went deep 13 times in 342 plate appearances last season and has posted double-digit homer totals in four of five years, with the outlier coming during an injury-riddled 2022 campaign.