Cincinnati Reds skipper Terry Francona offered an encouraging report regarding his team’s catcher, who had been sidelined with a fractured thumb since mid‑August. Francona noted that the player has been able to “catch a few times in between innings” and even simulated squatting while working with pitchers in the bullpen, illustrating substantial progress toward a return.
Highlighting the significance of this recovery, Francona confirmed that the catcher is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Triple‑A Louisville on Wednesday, September 3. This marks a pivotal step, as it will allow the team to assess his readiness through real game action.
The timing of his potential return couldn’t be more critical. The Reds currently stand at 70–69, trailing the New York Mets by five games for the third National League Wild Card spot. Assuming the rehab goes well, Francona suggested that the catcher might appear in one or two minor‑league games before rejoining the Reds for the final 20 games of the regular season, offering a much‑needed boost to a team pushing for the postseason.
Offensively, the catcher has had a subdued year—batting .226 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs—numbers that fall short of his usual contributions. His return to the lineup could re-energize the Reds’ lineup, providing both his defensive stability behind the plate and a lift at the dish.
With the rehab assignment on the horizon and bullpen activity already underway, the possibility of his return looms. Provided the thumb responds well, his comeback could come at a crucial juncture, just as the postseason push intensifies.
