Jul 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) is congratulated by third base Santiago Espinal (4) after scoring during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds Place Key Player on Injured List, Call up Will Banfield

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 12:36 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds have placed catcher Tyler Stephenson on the injured list with a left thumb fracture and called up Will Banfield from Triple-A Louisville.

Stephenson is slashing .226/.313/.393 with 24 extra-base hits this season in 72 games. He missed the first couple of months of the season due to an oblique strain that he suffered in spring training.

The Reds signed Will Banfield to a minor league deal in November of last year.

Banfield has played in 72 games this season for Triple-A Louisville and is slashing .220/.277/.304 with 15 extra-base hits. The 25-year-old was a former second-round draft pick in 2018 by the Miami Marlins.

The Reds are 67-60 and currently one game back of the New York Mets for the third and final National League Wild Card spot. They face off against the Angels in the series finale on Wednesday night. Nick Martinez will start on the mound for Cincinnati.

The #Reds today selected the contract of C Will Banfield from Triple-A Louisville and placed on the 10-day injured list, retro to 8/17, C Tyler Stephenson (left thumb fracture).
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 20, 2025