Reds Manager Terry Francona Provides Updates on Key Position Players

Francona spoke to reporters on Monday afternoon.

Greg Kuffner | Apr 7, 2025

Feb 24, 2025; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) runs the bases against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

In this story:

Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona provided injury updates on Austin Hays and Tyler Stephenson before Monday's matchup against the San Francisco Giants.

Stephenson received good news and is excited to start doing baseball activities.

"He was really excited, so they're gonna let him become more aggressive rotationally," Francona told Gordon Wittenmyer of The Enquirer. "Which is good − start doing some baseball stuff... I think that he was really on a good track but it's certainly nice when you get some tangible evidence that it's good."

Stephenson slashed .258/.338./.444 last season in 138 games and has been on the injured list since the start of the 2025 season with a low-grade oblique strain.

Francona also told Wittenmyer that Hays could appear in a rehab game with Triple-A Louisville as early as Thursday.

Hays has been on the injured list since the start of the season with a calf strain.

With the Reds' offense struggling like it is, Hays and Stephenson would both we welcome additions to the Cincinnati lineup.

You can read The Enquirer's full update on Stephenson and Hays here.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

Report: Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns to Start Season in Dayton

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Being Disrespected By National Media Ahead of 2025 Regular Season

Watch: Ranking Cincinnati Reds’ Most Important Players Ahead of 2025 MLB Regular Season

Terry Francona Explains Why He Decided to Return to Baseball and Manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2025

Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman Matt McLain Made BIG Change That Could Impact His Future With the Club

Cincinnati Reds Right Hander Brady Singer Has Added a New Pitch to His Arsenal This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Expected to Miss Start of 2025 Regular Season With Oblique Injury

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves With Opening Day Looming

Look: Cincinnati Reds May Be Getting New Uniforms for 2025 Regular Season

Great American Ballpark Has Been Disrespected By National Media

Great American Ballpark Ranked Among MLB’s WORST Stadiums Ahead of 2025 MLB Season

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram

Published Apr 7, 2025

GREG KUFFNER

Greg Kuffner a contributor to Reds On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and worked for the Sports Information Department during his time as a student. He follows all things Reds year round, including the minor league system.