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Reds being cautious with prospect Stephenson

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- All of the Reds pitchers and catchers passed the physicals that were taken on Thursday, but minor issues are occasionally presented. That's one reason why the club is going to limit No. 1 prospect Robert Stephenson from throwing off of a mound.

"Robert Stephenson will most likely be off the mound a couple of days behind because we want to make sure his shoulder is totally strong and he's headed in a great direction," Reds manager Bryan Price said on Friday. "He won't be throwing on the side today if you're looking for him. He's a couple of days behind because we want to be cautious, and that's it."

Stephenson, who pitched at Double-A Pensacola last season, has never had any shoulder issues.

"He came out and did his long toss and we wanted his progressions to be to a certain place before we put him on the mound. We're just being cautious," Price said.

Other items of note from Friday at Reds camp:

• Lefty Tony Cingrani, who endured shoulder issues last season, came away from Thursday's bullpen session with no problem.

"He was fine," Price said Friday. "He had a short little breaking ball to go with his fastball. He looked like he was throwing the ball without any issue, which was nice. He told our training staff he felt awesome. It was a good start to Spring Training."

• Lefty reliever Jose Mijares, a non-roster invitee, has yet to report to Spring Training.

• Shortstop Eugenio Suarez reported early on Friday. Suarez was acquired from the Tigers in the trade for pitcher Alfredo Simon.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.
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