GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One of the leading contenders for the fifth spot in the Reds rotation, Robert Stephenson didn't have the sharpest of first starts Monday vs. the D-backs. But Stephenson had good reason.
It was the first time he's faced hitters, at all, this spring. A neck injury prevented Stephenson from facing Reds hitters in simulated game action last week. So he jumped in with both feet vs. Arizona and gave up three runs and three hits over 1 1/3 innings during Cincinnati's 5-2 loss.
"It was definitely different but I feel good.