Cincinnati Reds Roster Moves: Stephenson Begins Rehab, Sanmartin Sent Down, Richardson Returns Ahead of Blue Jays Finale
The Cincinnati Reds roster moves keep coming as the team fights to stay alive in the National League playoff race. With their season hanging by a thread, the front office made three significant changes ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. Tyler Stephenson begins his long-awaited rehab assignment, Reiver Sanmartin heads back to Triple-A after a brief cameo, and Lyon Richardson rejoins the bullpen in a high-stakes shuffle that reflects the urgency of September baseball.
Tyler Stephenson Begins His Comeback
The headline move revolves around catcher Tyler Stephenson, who officially started his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville. The Reds have sorely missed his presence since he fractured his thumb on August 15 against the Milwaukee Brewers, a setback that sidelined him during one of the toughest stretches of his career.
Stephenson struggled mightily before the injury, going just 5-for-33 (.152) with four extra-base hits and seven walks from July 29 through August 15. His bat looked flat, and his confidence seemed to fade. But his rehab debut showed why the Reds remain optimistic. In his first game back, Stephenson went 1-for-3, with the hit being no ordinary knock—it was a towering 428-foot, two-run home run that energized Louisville in their extra-inning victory over St. Paul. He also caught seven innings before being lifted, following the usual progression for rehab assignments.
For Cincinnati, Stephenson’s return could not come at a better time. The Reds’ lineup has leaned heavily on Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer, but depth has been a glaring issue. A healthy, confident Stephenson offers both offensive production and veteran leadership behind the plate—qualities the Reds desperately need as the playoff race intensifies.
Reiver Sanmartin’s Short but Encouraging Return
While Stephenson’s comeback steals headlines, the story of Reiver Sanmartin highlights just how thin Cincinnati’s margin for error has become. After dominating in Louisville with a post-All-Star break 0.84 ERA, the lefty earned a call-up on Tuesday and wasted no time making his first MLB appearance since May 2023.
Sanmartin, who underwent Tommy John surgery last season, pitched 1.2 innings against Toronto, allowing one unearned run, walking one, and striking out one. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective—a steady return after more than a year away from the majors.
Yet baseball is unforgiving. Despite holding his own, the Reds optioned Sanmartin back to Triple-A immediately after the game. The move had little to do with performance and everything to do with roster math. Still, there’s a silver lining: Sanmartin is now back on the 40-man roster, which boosts his pay and leaves the door open for another call-up before the season ends.
The Reds know they will need every arm possible in September, especially left-handed relief options. Sanmartin’s progress puts him firmly back in the conversation for meaningful innings if Cincinnati stays in the hunt.
Lyon Richardson Rejoins the Bullpen
Taking Sanmartin’s roster spot is Lyon Richardson, a right-hander already familiar to Reds fans. Richardson has appeared in 33 games this season, working 36.2 innings with a 3.93 ERA. But his season has been a tale of two halves.
Early on, Richardson looked dominant. Through his first 20 games, he posted a 1.85 ERA, allowing just one home run in 24.1 innings. His fastball command and composure gave manager David Bell a reliable option in high-leverage spots. Then things unraveled. Over his next 13 outings, Richardson allowed 11 earned runs in 12.1 innings, issuing 12 walks while striking out only 10.
The Reds sent him back to Louisville, where his struggles continued at first. But recently, he’s shown signs of bouncing back. Over his last three weeks, Richardson has thrown 8.1 innings with 12 strikeouts, two walks, and just three runs allowed, holding opposing hitters to a .578 OPS. That progress earned him another shot in Cincinnati’s bullpen, where the Reds hope he can rediscover his early-season form.
If Richardson settles back in, he could play a critical role bridging the gap to closer Alexis Díaz, especially with the bullpen workload piling up in September.
What These Cincinnati Reds Roster Moves Mean
The latest Cincinnati Reds roster moves underline just how urgent and fragile the team’s situation is. Stephenson’s rehab assignment signals hope for an offensive boost, Sanmartin’s cameo shows progress in his recovery from surgery, and Richardson’s return highlights the gamble of relying on young arms in must-win games.
With the postseason picture tightening, Cincinnati has no margin for error. They trail in the wild card race, and every roster decision now carries playoff implications. A rejuvenated Stephenson could provide the lineup with much-needed punch. Sanmartin could become a valuable left-handed bullpen weapon if recalled again. Richardson could either stabilize or strain the relief corps, depending on how quickly he adjusts.
The clock is ticking. The Reds are not just shuffling names on a depth chart—they are making chess moves in a playoff fight where every pitch and every swing matters. These moves could determine whether Cincinnati extends its season into October or begins planning for 2026.
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