Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs - News - June 28, 2022 | FOX Sports

Tyler Stephenson - Takes batting practice Stephenson (thumb) participated in batting practice on the field at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Impact Manager David Bell recently said he hopes Stephenson will begin a rehab assignment within the next week, and the catcher's participating at batting practice Wednesday is an encouraging sign for his outlook. The 25-year-old will likely need to advance to facing live pitching before being cleared for game action in the minors.

JUNE 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Frank Schwindel - Showing improvement Manager David Ross said Wednesday that Schwindel (back) is "slowly getting better" and is expected to start baseball activities soon, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Impact Schwindel has been on the injured list since June 18 and was still dealing with back tightness Tuesday. However, he apparently showed improvement when he was re-evaluated Tuesday and is tracking toward resuming baseball activities. A better timetable for the 30-year-old's return is unlikely to be revealed until he's cleared for activities.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Tyler Naquin - Rehab assignment begins Thursday Naquin (quadriceps) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Impact The Reds hoped that Naquin would be able to begin a rehab assignment late last week, but they waited a few days before ultimately sending him to a minor-league affiliate. It's not clear which affiliate he'll work with, but he'll likely be ready to rejoin the major-league club in the coming days.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nick Lodolo - Set to return early next week Lodolo (back) will rejoin the Reds' rotation Monday or Tuesday against the Mets, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Impact Lodolo made his fourth rehab start Wednesday at Triple-A Louisville and allowed a run on six hits and a walk while striking out five in 4.2 innings. The Reds will have a six-man rotation next week since they have a doubleheader, but manager David Bell declined to reveal the team's rotation plans past that point.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jared Solomon - Optioned to Triple-A Solomon was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Impact Solomon joined the Reds' bullpen Friday and gave up three runs in a relief inning against the Giants on Saturday. He'll remain with the Reds on their road trip as part of the taxi squad but will be cast off the active roster after Jeff Hoffman (undisclosed) was reinstated from the injured list Wednesday.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Daniel Norris - Playing catch again Norris (finger) was able to play catch off flat ground Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Impact Norris has started up his throwing program after landing on the 15-day injured list just under a week ago with a left index finger strain. He doesn't look like he'll be in store for a long-term absence, though the Cubs may not have much urgency to rush him back. The lefty has been handling a low-leverage role out of the bullpen all season and has submitted a 7.24 ERA over his 24 appearances.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jeff Hoffman - Reinstated from injured list Hoffman (undisclosed) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday.

Impact Hoffman landed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, but his quick return likely means that he didn't test positive for the virus. He should be available out of the bullpen Wednesday against the Cubs after right-hander Jared Solomon was sent down.

JUNE 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE