CINCINNATI -- It's become a common sight during pregame teamwork. Before batting practice, Reds rookie Sal Stewart gets in work at first base next to Spencer Steer, receiving pointers about positioning, footwork and more. “That doesn't surprise me one bit," manager Terry Francona said of Steer. "That's what a team does." Before his Sept. 1 Major League debut, Stewart had logged only two games at first base for Triple-A Louisville, because he mostly played third base and spent some time at second base. While the 21-year-old Stewart, the Reds’ top prospect per MLB Pipeline, has been working daily with coaches Freddie Benavides and Mike Napoli, Steer has also been there helping. “One thing I can relate to him [with] is I played first base for the first time in the big leagues, too," Steer said. "Also, [Noelvi] Marte, same thing, when he got thrown into the outfield for the first time. I played outfield for the first time in the big leagues. I kind of understand what they’re going through making that transition. However I can help, it’s something I’ve got to do as a teammate.” |
Steer has been Cincinnati's first baseman for most of the season, but he’s been slowed lately by nagging quadriceps soreness and has gotten some days off. That enabled Francona to get Stewart into the lineup there more often, especially with Ke'Bryan Hayes already stationed at third base. Stewart has appreciated Steer's efforts. “It’s been great. He’s been wanting to help me with anything I need. He’s helped me tremendously. It’s great to have a good teammate like that," Stewart said. “He takes time out of his day to help me out. That’s what this locker room is about -- a group of great teammates. He is the epitome of that.” It hasn't always been perfect. Stewart has made one error -- entering Sunday -- and Francona noted he's not always in the right place at the right time. But overall, it's gone well. “I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job, honestly," said Stewart, who is batting .261 with an .849 OPS, four home runs and six RBIs in 15 games. "I feel like I’m learning every day. I feel like I’m getting better every day.” Stationed regularly at first base for the first time since his own debut in 2022, Steer has been playing at a Gold Glove-caliber level. Entering Sunday, his seven Outs Above Average rank fifth in MLB among first basemen. He is fifth in runs prevented. “The biggest thing is I’ve kind of played first base only this year," Steer said. "It’s what the team needed me to do. You kind of get into a rhythm playing one spot. Everything just flows nicer. Your reads are sharper, first steps are sharper. It’s just working there every day and knowing you’re going to be there.” |
A utility guy for much of his career, Steer has played six positions in the Major Leagues. The Reds have played him mostly at first base this season, in part because of a 2024 right shoulder injury that lingered into this season and hampered his throwing. It kept him from playing his other positions. “We were trying to just take care of him," Francona said. As for who plays first base for Cincinnati next season, that's a discussion for the offseason and perhaps even Spring Training 2026. One question that likely will be part of that discussion: Does Francona value Steer playing that position at a high level every day, or does he prefer his versatility that enables him to play anywhere? "Oh, hell, I don't think you can answer that appropriately right now, because we don't know the makeup of our team next year," Francona said. "If he can accumulate his at-bats moving around, that can be really good. It just depends on what the makeup of your team is." As it's been throughout his big league career, Steer remains open to anything. “I still consider myself a utility guy," said Steer, who recovered from a slow start to this season and is batting .243 with a .734 OPS, a team-leading 21 homers and 74 RBIs in 139 games. "Whatever they need me to do, I’m happy to do it. I think my value is moving around the field.” |
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LOWDER'S REHAB ASSIGNMENT HALTED |
Reds starting pitcher prospect Rhett Lowder was scratched from his second scheduled rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Friday after his right shoulder didn't bounce back well from his first outing. “Lowder wasn’t comfortable with the way he was recovering," Francona said. Lowder, 23, underwent an MRI exam. His rehab assignment officially ended on Saturday. “Everything was structurally really good," Francona said on Friday. "But we’ve got to slow him down. I think we’re going to keep him in Louisville … and try to build him back up. Where that goes and when that goes, I don’t know if anybody knows.” On Sept. 13 for Louisville, Lowder threw 34 pitches over two innings and allowed one earned run, two hits with no walks (one hit batter) and two strikeouts. The seventh overall selection by Cincinnati in the 2023 Draft, Lowder is ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the organization and No. 60 overall. He debuted in the big leagues on Aug. 30, 2024, and posted a 1.17 ERA in six starts. A right forearm strain forced Lowder to begin this season on the injured list. He was nearing a return in late May when he sustained a severely strained right oblique during a rehab start with Louisville, which derailed his efforts. |
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