The catcher batted .196 in 25 games for the Dragons earlier this season before going on the DL with a sprained wrist. He recently completed a five-game rehab stint with the Arizona League Reds but hasn’t suited up for Dayton since May 26.
With Stephenson rejoining the club, the Dragons have a pair of recent first-round picks on the roster. Third baseman Nick Senzel is hitting .350 with six doubles and seven stolen bases in 10 games. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft last month.
Also on the roster is Chris Okey, a 2016 second-round pick out of Clemson. In nine games, he is hitting .200 with two home runs and two doubles.
The club also announced promotions of right-handed pitchers Ryan Hendrix and Lucas Benenati, both 2016 draft picks headed to the Gem City after spending time at Rookie-level Billings.
Hendrix, a fifth-round pick from Texas A&M, posted a 5.19 ERA in six relief appearances for the Mustangs while Benenati had a 6.00 ERA in nine relief appearances for Billings. A 10th-round pick from Kansas State, Benenati was perfect in four save opportunities.
To make room on the roster, the Reds demoted right-handed pitcher Junior Arias to Billings, sent catcher Ernesto Liberatore to the Arizona League and released right-handed pitcher Bernardo Moreta.
About the Author
