August 26, 2025 6:55 AM : Stephenson (thumb) played catch and blocked softer baseballs Monday in a test of the thumb guard fitted for his catcher's mitt, MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Stephenson was encouraged by the activity and is scheduled to take batting practice Friday. The Reds remain in the mix for a wild-card spot, so if Stephenson is deemed capable of playing through a left thumb fracture, he'll likely return from the 10-day injured list in early September.