Hal McCoy on Zack Cozart’s playing time
• Stephens was demoted because the Reds need bullpen depth for their road trip to Colorado and Arizona this week. They promoted Asher Wojciechowski from Triple-A.
The Reds intended to send Stephens back to Triple-A even before he made his start. Stephens likely will get another chance in the rotation after the All-Star break.
“He certainly didn’t hurt his chances with his performance yesterday,” Reds manager Bryan Price said.
Reds owner really wants to win, believe it or not
Stephens’ next scheduled start would have been Thursday in Colorado. The Reds have not announced who will start that game.
“We have a pitcher in mind,” Price said, “but we won’t share who that is until that pitcher is informed he’ll be making that start.
• The Reds moved starter Brandon Finnegan (left shoulder) to the 60-day disabled list.
• The Reds acquired minor league outfielder/first baseman Nick Longhi from the Boston Red Sox for international signing bonus pool space. Longhi, the ninth-ranked prospect in Boston’s organization, hit .262 with six home runs in Double-A.
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