How Long Will Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Be Out With Fractured Thumb?

The Reds will be without starting catcher Tyler Stephenson for four-to-six weeks after he suffered a right thumb fracture on Friday.

Tyler Stephenson Injury Update

Stephenson was hit by a foul tip squarely on his right thumb and immediately walked off the field and into the locker room as his nail was bleeding heavily. 

Stephenson likely suffered a thumb tuft fracture with a potential associated nail bed injury, according to the ProBaseballDocs.

Luckily, the injury won’t require surgery and the 25-year-old could return closer to the four week mark of the estimated four-to-six week timeline. 

Because a tuft fracture is characterized by an open wound, there is potential risk of infection, but the fracture creates no long-term concern for his throwing thumb and he should be back to 100% around the all-star break. 

Stephenson has now suffered two violent injuries at the plate this season. He missed 10 gms in concussion protocol after Padres’ DH Luke Voit collided with him at home plate on April 19. 

He has been Cincinnati’s most consistent hitter in 2022, batting .305 with five home runs, eight doubles, and 31 RBI in 141 at-bats. He is tied for second on the Reds with 1.2 WAR. 

Twenty-nine-year-old Aramis Garcia will likely step behind the batter’s box in Stephenson’s absence. Garica is batting .164 with one home run and five runs in 67 at-bats while starting 19 games at catcher.