Tyler Stephenson expected to spend less time as Reds catcher, more DH

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – David Bell sat in front of a printout of the Cincinnati Reds’ 2023 schedule, one larger than the pocket schedules, and marked up a plan on where to play Tyler Stephenson each game.

The goal is to play Stephenson for 140-150 games if he can remain healthy because he’s one of the best hitters on the roster. Playing that many games, however, means he won’t be spending as much time at catcher.

Bell is planning for Stephenson to catch about four out of every 10 games with three games as the designated hitter and two at first base. That amounts to 65 starts behind the plate and 80 games at other positions. That plan can always change, but those are the targeted numbers.

Curt Casali and Luke Maile, who signed this offseason as backup catchers, will split the remaining games at catcher if everyone remains healthy.

“Where we are now, I want (Stephenson) to catch enough to be considered a catcher,” Bell said. “I want him to keep getting better as a catcher because he’s a good catcher and can help us win as a catcher, but not too much that it limits keeping him in the lineup.”