Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) will be active on Opening Day. Earlier in camp, the Reds said that Steer would open the campaign on the injured list. However, he was able to progress and will not miss the start of the campaign. However, starting left fielder Austin Hays (calf) will instead be placed on the 10-day injured list. During camp, Steer has played exclusively as a designated hitter, which suggests he will not be able to play in the field at the start of the season. Last summer, Steer appeared in 158 contests and posted a .225/.319/.402 slash line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Under the hood, he generated a modest .315 xwOBA with a low .235 xBA. However, he placed in the 73rd percentile in sprint speed. Fantasy managers should expect the 27-year-old to have an everyday spot in the lineup and does carry a high-floor in category formats given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.
The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer reports that Cincinnati Reds corner infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) will open the season on the injured list. While Steer's shoulder injury isn't considered serious -- he played in a minor-league game on Thursday -- the Reds are playing it safe and holding him out to open the 2025 regular season. The 27-year-old was initially shut down due to his ailing shoulder in late February, and he just hasn't had enough at-bats to be trusted in the starting lineup early on. However, barring a setback on a minor-league rehab assignment to start the year, Steer should definitely make his season debut in the big leagues by the end of April. With Steer opening on the IL, the biggest beneficiary to open the regular season is likely to be Austin Hays in left field.
Spencer Steer To Resume Throwing On Tuesday, Could Be Ready For Opening Day
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) will resume throwing in camp on Tuesday, and the Reds are still holding out hope that he can avoid a stint on the injured list to start the 2025 regular season, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. However, it's probably going to be a close call, as Steer hasn't played in a spring training game since February as he works his way back from a cortisone shot for his balky shoulder. The 27-year-old, who played through a shoulder strain in 2024, has been swinging a bat in drills for the last week, and MRI exams haven't shown any structural damage. If Steer is forced to open the season on the IL, Jeimer Candelario would likely open the year at third base, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand being the primary first baseman across the diamond. Steer has only had seven plate appearances in Cactus League games, so don't rule out a slow start for him at the plate.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) took swings in the batting cage on Wednesday. However, he has not resumed throwing. It's a critical step for the 27-year-old, who hadn't picked up a bat since receiving a cortisone shot in his shoulder on Mar. 1. "It's been progressing well," said Steer, "Hopefully, it continues." While he appears to be progressing well, Sheldon notes that the versatile outfielder is still likely to begin the season on the injured list. Still, the former third-round pick isn't yet giving up hope. "I wouldn't count it out yet, I really wouldn't. But it's getting close." Steer notched his first 20/20 season in 2024, though he projects as a better option in points leagues unless his average climbs back up toward the .271 he hit in 2023. He's currently sitting around the top 100 in ADP.
Spencer Steer Could Open The Season On The Injured List
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) could open the season on the injured list. Manager Terry Francona said they are taking "as much time as necessary" to ensure his shoulder is right. Steer has battled a lingering shoulder injury throughout camp. He was scratched from Saturday's lineup and received two cortisone shots. Steer has been primarily deployed as designated hitter as he is still unable to play the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout camp as another setback could put him in danger of missing Opening Day. Last season, the 27-year-old saw time primarily at first base and the outfield and held a .225/.319/.402 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He held a high 11.0 percent walk rate but generated a low .235 xBA. If he were to miss time at the start of the season, Christian Encarnacion-Strand would see most of the starts at first base and Austin Hays would have a starting role in left field.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder/infielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) received a cortisone shot on Saturday which will keep him sidelined for a few days. Steer was a late scratch from Saturday's contest who is still dealing with his lingering shoulder injury. Steer was set to begin a throwing program earlier in the week but felt shoulder discomfort. As a result, he has only seen action as a designated hitter during spring training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as a further setback could put him in danger of being limited to begin the regular season. Last season across 158 contests, Steer spent time at first base and the outfield and held a .225/.319/.402 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. If this injury continues to linger, he may have to open the season operating primarily as a designated hitter.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) is set to begin throwing on Monday. Steer has been unable to play the field during the early part of spring training due to a sore right shoulder. He has only been able to serve as a designated hitter. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be cleared to play the field in the coming weeks. Last season, the 27-year-old spent most of his time in left field and first base. However, he did see occasional starts at second base and shortstop. Across 158 games, Steer posted a .225/.319/.402 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. When cleared for defensive action, fantasy managers should expect Steer to primarily spend time in left field alongside Austin Hays and first base alongside Christian Encarnacion-Strand.
Spencer Steer To Serve As Designated Hitter Early In Spring Training
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) is set to begin spring training games as a designated hitter. Steer has been dealing with a shoulder injury during camp and is set to be eased into action. The 27-year-old is expected to begin throwing soon and could eventually shift to first base if not cleared to play the outfield. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as a setback could force him into a full-time role at DH or first base. Last season, Steer spent most of his time in left field and first base but made occasional starts at second and third base. Across 158 contests, Steer posted a .225/.319/.402 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Given his defensive flexibility, Steer should also have a spot in the everyday lineup, making him a solid depth outfielder in all formats. However, if he shifted primarily to first base, he could block Christian Encarnacion-Strand from an everyday role.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) "is going to start throwing here fairly soon." Steer dealt with right-shoulder soreness late last season, and it has followed him into the early part of spring training, causing the Reds to play it safe with him early on. Cincy will probably also ease him into Cactus League games as a designated hitter before having him play defense. But barring a setback for the 27-year-old's shoulder, he has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. Steer has plenty of flaws as a hitter but has an excellent home park, managed a 20-20 season in 2024 and also led the Reds with 92 RBI. He finished with a weak .225 batting average and doesn't make enough consistent hard contact to be an asset there, although he could rebound slightly after his shoulder injury late last year led to a weak finish.
Spencer Steer Still Recovering From Shoulder Soreness
The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer reports that Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) is still recovering from the shoulder soreness he dealt with late last year and will likely serve as the designated hitter when Cactus League games kick off in spring training. Steer will eventually work up to returning to the field. It's certainly something to watch for the 27-year-old, especially if it lingers throughout the spring and he struggles at the plate. To close out the regular season last September, he hit just .165/.268/.294 in the month of September, so his shoulder issue was clearly bothering him. Despite his rough finish in 2024, Steer hit 20 homers, stole 20 bases and had a team-high 92 RBI. Steer's batted-ball metrics have been underwhelming, but his hitter-friendly home park helps his cause. Target him as a No. 3 fantasy outfielder in 2025.
Spencer Steer
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Reds
