Catcher Tyler Stephenson has been with the Cincinnati Reds since 2020, the longest-tenured player on the roster.
Whether he’s still with the team two weeks from now — or even beyond the Reds’ three-game interleague series that begins Monday in Seattle — remains to be seen.
With the Reds in last place in the National League’s Central, they’ll likely be sellers by the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Stephenson, who hit two homers in a 9-6 victory Sunday at Colorado, could be an attractive option for a contender looking for a backstop.
“I’ve got no control,” said Stephenson, whose contract is up after this season. “I guess it’s as real as it’s ever been in my career. So whatever happens, happens. I’m enjoying it. I love these guys and I’ve been very grateful to be here with this organization, and whatever happens is going to take care of itself.”
Nathaniel Lowe, another potential trade chip, and rookie Sal Stewart added three-run shots for the Reds, and right-hander Hunter Greene pitched six quality innings with seven strikeouts.
Reds manager Terry Francona has been around long enough to know what could transpire before the trade deadline.
“There’s a good word, and I want to use it because it’s how I feel,” Francona said. “It’s not uneasiness, but the unknown a little bit. It’s like you want it to be over, like now. And that’s not the way it is. Because you’re with these guys every day, and it means something.
“I’m realistic enough to know things happen. That’s the way the game is. When you’ve played to our record, there’s going to be conversations. That’s just the reality of it.”
The Mariners are in the opposite boat. Sunday’s 6-3 victory against visiting San Francisco got them back to .500. They’re a half-game behind Texas in the American League West and one back in the AL wild-card race.
“We know where we’re at. It’s hasn’t been exactly what we wanted up to this point, but (manager Dan Wilson) keeps talking about everything’s right in front of us,” said Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert, who got the victory against the Giants with six quality innings in which he tied his season-high with 10 strikeouts.
Pinch hitter Luke Raley hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning, and Cole Young added a two-run shot an inning later for the final margin.
“It’s just hard going into a game that’s in full swing, coming in cold off the bench. You haven’t seen any pitches yet and a lot of times you’re getting a nasty bullpen arm,” Raley said. “It’s just one of those things you got to go up with plan.”
Monday’s series opener is set to feature Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott (5-5, 4.11 ERA) against Mariners right-hander George Kirby (7-8, 3.76).
Abbott lasted just four innings in his last start July 12 against the visiting Chicago Cubs and didn’t get a decision. He allowed four runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts in a game the Reds lost 8-4.
Abbott lost in his one career start against Seattle on the road April 17, 2024, when he allowed two runs on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts in six innings.
Kirby is coming off a quality start in a 2-0 loss July 8 at Miami. He went six innings and yielded two runs on eight hits, with no walks and seven strikeouts.
Kirby won in his only start against Cincinnati on April 15, 2024, when he surrendered two runs on five hits with no walks and six strikeouts in six innings.
–Field Level Media
