Will Banfield will make his MLB debut for the Cincinnati Reds after being promoted from Triple-A Louisville to cover for an injured Tyler Stephenson. Banfield, 25, has slashed .220/. with two homers and 23 RBIs across 253 plate appearances this season in the minors, and he’s positioned to provide immediate catching depth for a Reds club navigating injury trouble behind the plate.

The Reds picked Banfield in 2024 on a minor-league deal after his time with the Marlins organization, where he was regarded as a beacon of defense at catcher and a leader-type presence. His background includes a second-round selection in 2018, a late-blooming offensive projection, and a long-running link to Brookwood High School in Georgia, the same school as Lucas Sims, weaving a narrative of close ties to Reds history and future potential.

After a challenging road trip, Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona expressed his apologies to the team for overusing the bullpen, leading to a disappointing 6-0 loss against the Houston Astros. Francona acknowledged the strain on pitchers like Brent Suter and Lyon Richardson, who faced heavy workloads due to short outings from starters Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, and Chase Petty.

He emphasized the team's need for a well-deserved break, reminding them to flush the loss and prepare for their next game. Francona's focus on loyalty and building a strong team dynamics was evident as he refrained from sending down younger players in favor of fresh arms.