MLB Player News

Stephenson went 2-for-2 with a walk, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Monday's 8-7 loss to the Cubs.

Curt Casali got the start but came out of the game in the seventh inning with the Reds down 7-1, allowing Stephenson to make his major-league debut in a seemingly low-pressure spot. Instead, the 23-year-old keyed a Cincy comeback that fell just short as he launched a solo homer on the second pitch he saw in the bottom of the frame. He then singled in the eighth to kick off a two-out rally and drew a bases-loaded walk off Craig Kimbrel in the ninth to bring the Reds within one run. Casali has started every game to begin the season, but Stephenson's impressive performance should put him in the mix for more work behind the plate, at least until Tucker Barnhart (paternity) returns.

Narvaez isn't in the lineup Monday against the Pirates.

Narvaez received the nod behind the plate over each of the Brewers' first three games and went 1-for-8 with a double, three runs, one RBI and two walks during that span. However, he'll get a day off Monday with Manny Pina starting at catcher, batting eighth.

Contreras will start at catcher and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Rays.

Contreras impressed in his first two major-league games against the Mets, going 4-for-6 with a double and one RBI. As a result, he'll get the nod at catcher once again, taking the place of Alex Jackson.

Caratini isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds.

Caratini had a spot in the starting lineup over each of the first three games with the addition of the designated hitter in the National League, but he'll play a bench role in the team's first road contest Monday. Kyle Schwarber will serve as the designated hitter with David Bote entering the starting nine at third base, batting seventh.

Gomes isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays.

Gomes made his season debut Sunday and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout, but he'll sit once again in Monday's contest. Kurt Suzuki is starting at catcher, batting seventh.

Casali will start at catcher and bat ninth Monday against the Cubs.

Casali is picking up his fourth start behind the dish in as many days while top backstop Tucker Barnhart (personal) remains on the paternity list. He's slugged a home run and reached base at a .417 clip through the Reds' first three games, but Casali will lose nearly all of his fantasy value once Barnhart is back in the fold.

Hedges is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Hedges had started both of the previous two days, so he'll just be getting a breather in the series finale while Francisco Mejia gets a turn behind the dish. The 27-year-old is still looking for his first hit of the season after going 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in the Padres' three games to date.

Contreras went 3-for-5 in Sunday's 14-1 win over the Mets.

All three of Contreras' hits were singles. The 22-year-old catcher continues to serve as an insurance option while Tyler Flowers and Travis d'Arnaud remain on the COVID-19 list.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Brewers.

Contreras was scorching hot in summer camp with six home runs, and now he has his first long ball that counts in 2020. The 28-year-old caught two of the Cubs' first three games, with an appearance at DH in between. That formula could be used the rest of the way to limit the wear and tear on Contreras behind the plate.

Stephenson was added to the 30-man roster Sunday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old will take the roster spot of Mike Moustakas (illness), who was placed on the injured list Sunday. Tucker Barnhart (paternity) is away from the team, but Stephenson is still unlikely to see significant opportunities with Curt Casali and Kyle Farmer still on the roster.