Trevino stays injury-free, ready to take on starting role
Jose Trevino is now more crucial to the Reds following an injury to starting catcher Tyler Stephenson. On Saturday, just a day after his right thumb was struck by a foul tip, Trevino expressed confidence, saying, “I could play today.”
He had just left the team complex for a CT scan, which returned negative results, and he’s considered day-to-day.
Trevino had left Friday’s game in the fifth inning after fouling a ball off his hands. X-rays showed no fractures, leading to Saturday’s additional scan.
By Saturday morning, Trevino, 32, wasn’t wearing a thumb wrap, and the swelling had decreased. Manager Terry Francona reassured, saying, “I think he’s going to be fine… He’s pretty upbeat. That’s probably the best sign.”
Initially, Trevino and the team were concerned, especially after learning that Stephenson would start the season on the injured list with a left oblique strain. “A little nervous,” said Trevino, recalling a similar injury when he fractured the same thumb in 2020 Spring Training. “With Stephenson going down and me going down, that’s tough. You want to be there for the guys.”
Trevino, who played only 74 games last season with the Yankees, batting .215 with eight home runs, had lost his starting role to rookie Austin Wells. He was traded to the Reds on Dec. 20, with the team expecting him to back up Stephenson.
Trevino acknowledged the situation: “It’s unfortunate this happened to Stevo. But this is why the Reds brought me here—to have someone they can trust.”
Trevino has extensive starting experience, having played 115 games for the Yankees in 2022, earning an All-Star selection, Gold Glove, and Platinum Glove for his defense. He’s known for his strong relationship with pitchers and coaches.
“Whatever they need me to do,” Trevino said. “The most important thing about a baseball team are the pitchers. You need someone you can rely on behind the plate.”
In the meantime, non-roster catcher Austin Wynns, who played parts of six big league seasons, will back up Trevino until Stephenson returns. Wynns, 34, spent much of 2024 in Triple-A Louisville but had a strong showing in seven games with the Reds last year, hitting .368 with four doubles.
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