Robert Stephenson pitched well for the Cincinnati Reds in the short time he was with the club earlier this year in April.
The 23-year-old right-hander won both of his starts. He had a 3.00 ERA and 1.083 WHIP in 12 innings of work. Despite the solid showing, Stephenson was sent back down the Ohio River to Louisville to continue pitching for the Reds’ Triple-A team.
Urgency forced the Reds’ hand in Stephenson’s April promotion. Otherwise, the Reds didn’t really have a compelling need to bring Stephenson up until late this year if at all.
The Reds now have a rotation opening due to the demotion of John Lamb, but the Reds can use a four-man rotation until July 26 due to a day off this week.
Stephenson may get the call to start in that game or before if the Reds decide to let rehabbing Homer Bailey make two or more starts in the minors before joining the Reds.
Stephenson could also be expedited back to the bigs if one of the current Reds’ starters is traded.
But the issue with Stephenson remains control. In 94 innings at Triple-A, he has issued 51 walks. His 1.309 WHIP would be much higher if not for surrendering just 72 hits over those 94 innings.
Stephenson’s last start typified his ongoing struggle with control. He allowed just two hits in six innings but walked five. Until he improves his control, Stephenson will be at odds to further develop his command once he does join the Reds for good.
The Reds are still banking on Stephenson to be a front-end of the rotation starter in the future. Cody Reed and Amir Garrett may take some of the pressure off Stephenson in that regard.
But Stephenson does need to show he’s making strides beyond his career minor league numbers. He has a 3.81 ERA in 104 minor league starts.
Robb Hoff writes about the Cincinnati Reds for OutsidePitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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