An otherwise sleepy-looking loss to the World Series champsThursday (Sept. 17) could have ramifications for the Cincinnati Reds roster, possibly a key pitcher and maybe even a veteran catcher.
When Reds starter Brady Singer struggled enough early enough in an 8-2 loss to the Dodgers, it made for extra work for a recently taxed bullpen, which meant pulling the Brandon Williamson lever a day early. The lefty pitched two innings of relief.
That probably means a roster move before this weekend’s series opener against the Chicago Cubs, because Chase Burns
is the Friday scheduled starter, and Williamson — Burns’ piggyback partner under a strict workload-limit plan — is out for that game.
Burns has been limited to three innings per start his last two starts, with Williamson picking up the bulk after that in each start.
Reds manager Terry Francona said team officials were working postgame on other options for the backside of the Burns start against the Cubs.
“We’ve got some things to work through, obviously,” Francona said.
As for the veteran catcher, Tyler Stephenson was forced to stop the game for a painful cramp in his upper left leg. After a few minutes of stretching and swallowing a quick shot of “pickle juice” hydration provided by the trainer, he stayed in the game.
But when he drove a ball to the wall in right-center for an apparent double, he was only able to hobble to first base, at that point exiting for a pinch-runner.
“We gave him the old pickle juice, but it didn’t quite (take care of it),” Francona said. “It’s a pretty hot day, especially for September. He was having trouble, you could tell.”
Francona said the issue didn’t appear to worsen beyond a cramp.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds roster move coming? Tyler Stephenson exits but avoids injury?
