Delino DeShields, Sr. and Robert Stephenson have progressed up the Reds affiliate system together. DeShields as a manager, Stephenson as a top-rated pitching prospect. DeShields was the manager for A-Dayton in 2012 when Stephenson was there. They overlapped a short time in AA-Pensacola in 2013. DeShields has been the manager for AAA-Louisville since 2014, so he’s worked with Stephenson last summer and all this season.
Last night, Stephenson had one of his worst starts pitching for Louisville. He made it through just 2 innings, giving up 6 earned runs, with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. With major league call-up decisions pending, it was a real hang-your-head performance.