TORONTO -- The Reds optioned reliever Robert Stephenson to Triple-A Louisville prior to Tuesday's game in Toronto, recalling Jackson Stephens to provide length out of the bullpen.
Stephenson threw 55 pitches in Monday's 17-2 loss, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits over just two innings of work. After Jake Buchanan handled the back end of the blowout loss, the move was still more about roster need than Stephenson's performance.
"It wouldn't have been made today unless we had a game where we used our two length guys," said Reds manager Bryan Price.