CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds right-hander Robert Stephenson earned his way back to the big leagues with improved strike-zone command and a more effective slider.
The former first-round draft choice will make the ninth start of his MLB career and his first of the season Saturday afternoon against the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park.
“He’s done what we’ve asked him to do, which is to pound the zone, and to work on his slider,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “I see a much higher strike percentage and a breaking pitch he can throw for strikes, with the slider.