Reds DFA Fan Favorite Jake Fraley, Activate Tyler Stephenson

The Cincinnati Reds made a notable roster move Sunday. They designated veteran outfielder Jake Fraley for assignment as they shuffled their lineup to address injuries and improve bench depth.

This decision came during a tough stretch against divisional rival Milwaukee. Just days earlier, catcher Tyler Stephenson had reaggravated a thumb injury.

Cincinnati recalled pitcher Connor Phillips and outfielder Will Benson from Triple-A Louisville. They sent left-hander Joe La Sorsa back down.

The shake-up reflects the team’s short-term needs. It also shows a willingness to give Fraley a shot to find playing time elsewhere.

Why the Reds Made the Move

The DFA wasn’t only about performance. Roster flexibility played a big part too.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Fraley, now in his fourth MLB season, would probably see limited at-bats if he stayed in Cincinnati. By designating him for assignment, the club lets other teams get a chance to claim him and maybe offer more playing time.

Impact of Stephenson’s Injury

Stephenson’s injury added another wrinkle to the Reds’ choices. He reinjured his thumb during a recent series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and is listed as day-to-day.

His absence makes depth crucial, especially with a packed divisional schedule. Jose Trevino started behind the plate on Sunday, but the team still wanted an extra bench piece in case Stephenson’s injury sticks around.

Fraley’s 2024 Performance and Status

Through 67 games this season, the 30-year-old Fraley has a batting average of .232, with six home runs and 23 RBIs. Not jaw-dropping, but he’s been steady in past years.

He hyperextended his knee on a defensive miscue in Saturday’s extra-inning loss to the Brewers. Francona said that wasn’t a deciding factor in the DFA call.

The Manager’s Perspective

Francona emphasized that neither the error nor the knee injury led to Sunday’s roster change. He said he respects Fraley and didn’t want him stuck on the bench if another MLB team might give him regular playing time.

Roster Changes in Motion

Alongside Fraley’s departure from the active roster, the Reds made several moves to address immediate needs:

• Connor Phillips – The right-hander came up from Triple-A Louisville to boost the pitching staff.
• Will Benson – The outfielder returns to add speed and some pop off the bench.
• Joe La Sorsa – The left-hander went back to Triple-A to make room for the new arrivals.

Why Benson’s Recall Matters

Will Benson brings a left-handed bat with real extra-base power. He can play all three outfield spots, giving Francona more lineup options, especially with injuries piling up.

The Brewers Series and Reds’ Resilience

This roster shake-up comes during a critical stretch against the Milwaukee Brewers, who are absolutely on fire. The Brewers have won 14 straight, and the Reds already dropped the first two games of the series.

If Cincinnati loses the finale, it’ll be their first series sweep of the 2024 season—a distinction they’ve somehow managed to avoid longer than any other MLB club. But baseball’s weird, right? Who knows what’ll happen next.

Looking Ahead

The Reds need to keep their roster deep if they want to hang in the playoff chase. Stephenson’s health remains up in the air.

So, the bench and bullpen really have to step up right now. Fraley’s situation should get sorted out soon—probably within the week.

Other teams are eyeing him, wondering if his mix of power and outfield skills fits their needs. Baseball’s funny that way—timing can matter as much as talent.

The Reds are juggling short-term fixes with long-term plans. They’re betting that shaking up the roster during a tough series will keep them alive in the NL Central race.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Reds DFA fan favorite Fraley, activate Stephenson