Reds C Tyler Stephenson unlikely to return this season

Cincinnati Reds starting catcher Tyler Stephenson suffered a fractured clavicle last month, putting his season in doubt. 

On Saturday, Reds' manager David Bell told Yahoo Sports' Bob Nightengale that the 25-year-old backstop will likely be out for the remainder of the 2022 season. 

"Anything is possible, but it's not something we're going to jeopardize him or put him in a situation where we rush him back to get a few games in," Bell said. "I think it's a good goal to have and anything is possible, but I think even before surgery, it was a longshot." 

Stephenson sustained the injury after being hit in the shoulder with a foul ball on July 22 against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Earlier this week, Stephenson underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture. The Reds placed him on the 60-day injured list on Thursday. 

In 50 games this season for the Reds, Stephenson batted .319/.372/.482 with six home runs and 35 RBI. 

Drafted No. 11 overall by the Reds in 2015, Stephenson made his major league debut in 2020. 

Stephenson has compiled 18 home runs and 35 RBI, slashing .296/.369/.482 in 190 games in Cincinnati.