Tyler Stephenson and Aramis Garcia are playing a role in Reds' pitching success

In the sixth inning on Tuesday night, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft saw the Arizona Diamondbacks had a runner on third base, and he started going for strikeouts. 

With two strikes against Diamondbacks’ leadoff hitter Daulton Varsho, Ashcraft threw a sinker that spiked into the dirt at the last second. Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson dropped to one knee, slid to the far right side of the strike zone and kept the strike three from getting past him.

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Then Ashcraft faced Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith. With two strikes, Ashcraft threw a 98 mph sinker that landed on the right edge of the strike zone. Stephenson framed the pitch, held his glove on the outside corner and got the strike three call.

Recently, the Reds have had a few incredible starts from rookies like Ashcraft and Hunter Greene. According to Reds manager David Bell, the Reds’ catchers have played a big role in that success.

“Ultimately, it's up to the pitcher and what they throw,” Bell said. “That's true, but that working relationship (is crucial). I've seen it at its best, and I've been around some catchers that are just outstanding at that. We've had them here and Tyler has shown that. And Aramis (Garcia), I just got to our catching report, and he's ranked really high with his framing numbers and he has done a lot with his limited opportunities.”

Stephenson and Reds backup catcher Aramis Garcia were both well-regarded prospects in the minor leagues because they were able to hit better than most catchers. They both had to answer questions about their defense, and Stephenson and Garcia are both playing the best defense of their careers in 2022.

Because of the unique movement of Greene and Ashcraft’s pitches, the Reds’ two rookie starters present challenges that are hard for a catcher to prepare for. Over the last month, Stephenson and Garcia have proved that they can block any pitch and frame at a high level.

As Stephenson pairs his solid defense with a .309 batting average, he’s currently the Reds’ best candidate for the All-Star game.

“He’s an unbelievable catcher and definitely a franchise player,” Greene said. “I trust him a lot back there.”  

Over the last few seasons, the Reds have often had one-or-two pitchers that have exclusively been paired with a specific catcher. This year, Bell has the confidence in both Stephenson and Garcia to catch any pitcher on the staff.

“The support that they can give to our younger starting pitchers, it's really important,” Bell said. “They have to feed off each other. I watch it really closely. I love that part of the game of watching. Because I know our plan and everything, but things change during the game and they've got to read the hitters and all kinds of stuff going on. It's fun to watch. I think our catchers are doing a nice job.”

Albert Almora Jr. getting Reds opportunity

ELEVATED ROLE: With Jake Fraley and Tyler Naquin on the injured list, Albert Almora Jr. has solidified a role in the short-term as a starting outfielder for the Reds. After making a swing change in the offseason, Almora Jr. entered Wednesday hitting .312, and he has been one of the best defenders on the roster.

In Tuesday’s win, Almora Jr. cut off a line drive down the left field line and made a perfect throw to second base to get the runner out and take away a double. 

“He’s only 28 years old, but he plays like he’s been around much longer than that,” Bell said. “He has been on really good teams. He’s been through a lot with a lot of experiences in his career. It’s showing up now. A lot of players really don’t come into their own until sometimes, 30. He’s still, in my mind, a young player that has a lot of experience. He has played really well for us.”

Reds reliever Lucas Sims improving

SIMS UPDATE: Reds reliever Lucas Sims is trending in the right direction as he deals with a back injury, and he’s expected to throw off the mound again soon.

“(He’s) still trying to get all the way back from his back injury,” Bell said. ”The way backs can be, it can be a day here and there that sets him back. Overall he’s trending the right way, doing a lot of rehab, still throwing.”