Cincinnati Reds Catcher To Play "140-150" Games; More Starts At 1B & DH

Heavy workload coming this season.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said this weekend that he expects Tyler Stephenson to play roughly 140 to 150 games this season.

Tyler Stephenson expected to see heavy workload https://t.co/WIl3XGdz5Y

— NBC Sports EDGE Baseball (@NBCSEdgeBB) January 29, 2023

With the Reds currently rostering three catchers in Stephenson, Curt Casali and Luke Maile, and with veteran first baseman Joey Votto unlikely to be healthy in time for the start of the season, the news doesn't come as much of a surprise. The news being that Stephenson is expected to spend more time at first base and designated hitter this season.

The twenty-six-year-old slashed a fantastic .319/.372/.482, with six home runs, 35 RBIs, one stolen base and 24 runs scored over 50 games last season. He missed significant time due to a concussion, broken thumb and a broken collarbone.

Stephenson is a fantastic player, he just can't stay healthy.
Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK