Cincinnati Reds Manager David Bell Explains Why Tyler Stephenson Didn't Get Chance Against San Diego Padres
CINCINNATI — Reds manager David Bell didn't call on Tyler Stephenson during Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Padres in 10 innings. It was a questionable decision [at best] in real time and it clearly didn't work out for the home team.
"He was ready to hit the whole day," Bell said after the loss. "He's been swinging the bat great. He's one of our best hitters. To not find the opportunity to get him in is a little tough. There were several times where we get one more runner on base, he's hitting and the situation just never came up."
Stephenson has a .302/.339/.509 slash line in the month of May. He has a .400 batting average since May 14. He's been one of the small bright spots in what has been an awful month for the team.
Bell could've had Stephenson pinch hit. He could've had him be the designated hitter for Thursday. Instead, they struggled at the plate (again) and one of their best hitters didn't get a chance.
Listen to Bell's explanation, plus ESPN 1530's Mo Egger reacts to the decision in the video below:
Today's show.
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) May 24, 2024
David Bell left me almost speechless.
Listen here: https://t.co/Q8wa62dVJF pic.twitter.com/phtiir1QqF
Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!
You May Also Like:
How Cincinnati Reds Struggles Compare to Past Years
Growing Pain: Cincinnati Reds Searching for Answers During Long Losing Streak
Bright Spot: Jeimer Candelario Heating up For Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds Place Christian Encarnacion-Strand on Injured List
Star Youngster Elly De La Cruz Delivering for Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene Off to Best Start of Young Career for Cincinnati Reds
Spencer Steer Becoming Stabilizing Force in Cincinnati Reds’ Lineup
Key Veteran Mike Ford Opts Out Of Minor League Contract With Louisville
Elly De La Cruz on Record-Setting Pace for Cincinnati Reds
Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Starting Rotation
Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Bullpen
Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Infield
Ultimate Guide to 2024 Reds Outfield
Four Expectations for Reds Pitching Staff Ahead of 2024 Season
Prospect Overview: In Depth Look at Cincinnati Reds First Rounder Rhett Lowder
Cincinnati Reds Prospect Edwin Arroyo Has Season-Ending Surgery
-----
Follow Inside the Reds on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI
JAMES RAPIEN
James Rapien covers the Bengals and Reds for Sports Illustrated's AllBengals.com and InsidetheReds.com. He's one-half of the Locked on Bengals Podcast. He's also the co-owner/creator of Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Cincinnati and has spent the majority of his professional career in the Queen City. Rapien previously covered the Cavaliers and Indians in Cleveland. He has a background in radio, which includes stops at 700 WLW, ESPN 1530 and 92.3 The Fan. He loves a good trade rumor and uses copious amounts of hot sauce on his food. Cincinnati chili is his go-to meal, followed by gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. When he isn't working or eating, he's probably walking his dog Finley or spending time with family.