The Cincinnati Reds had a sluggish start to the 2024 season, largely due to a series of injuries that hit the team during spring training and early in the regular season. Matt McLain and TJ Friedl both missed Opening Day, while Christian Encarnacion-Strand landed on the IL in early May. Additionally, the Reds were without Noelvi Marte, who was serving a PED suspension.
To start 2025 on the right foot, Cincinnati must avoid entering the season with a depleted lineup. However, the latest injury update on Spencer Steer is concerning and could lead to him beginning the year on the IL.
Steer was initially slated to start Saturday’s Cactus League game against the San Diego Padres but was replaced at the last minute by Jacob Hurtubise. He recently received a cortisone injection in his right shoulder, requiring him to remain inactive for the next few days.
Spencer Steer’s injury could result in as IL designation before Reds Opening Day
Steer’s shoulder issues date back to last season, and while multiple examinations and scans have shown no structural damage—that’s the good news—his limitations are becoming a concern. So far in spring training, he has been restricted to DH duties, and with Opening Day just over three weeks away, there’s growing uncertainty about whether he’ll be ready or if he’ll need to start the season on the IL.
Reds manager Terry Francona addressed the situation, and his comments didn’t exactly spark optimism about Steer’s availability. “He played with us last year, and he gutted through it. Doing it again doesn’t seem to make much sense,” Francona said.
Steer was expected to open the season as the Reds’ primary first baseman while also getting reps in left field and potentially at third base. However, with his throwing ability compromised, his role is essentially limited to DH, which isn’t an ideal fit given the team’s roster construction.
Heading into spring training, the expectation was that one of Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Gavin Lux, or Jeimer Candelario would take on DH duties while Steer provided defensive versatility. With that plan now in question, the Reds may have no choice but to place Steer on the IL, allowing him time to heal while also giving the team more roster flexibility.
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