MILWAUKEE — Injured Reds super utility player Spencer Steer got some good news about his right wrist from a follow-up visit with a specialist on Friday, but it likely won't be enough for him to salvage what's remaining of the 2026 season.
Steer, 28, was examined by Dr. Donald Sheridan in Phoenix and was cleared to increase activities.
“All is going really well," manager Terry Francona said. “He will begin more range of motion [exercises], start to get a bat in his hand."
Steer has been on the injured list with a right wrist sprain since July 27. He had been limited to only strengthening exercises and rest while holding out limited hope he could play again this year.
If Steer does get into a game, it likely won't be in the Majors during the final two weeks of this season.
"The goal is we want him to have a normal offseason," Francona said. "We might be pushing it if we try to do it by the end of the season. There are some things that are out there that we will explore. But we don’t want it to get much later. We want to make sure he swings where he takes a pitch, misses a pitch, checks swings, tries to get to a high fastball, so he knows he’s not going to pick up a bat in January and be hurt.”
Among the potential options the Reds are looking into is whether Steer could be permitted to play in the Arizona Fall League, which is usually reserved for prospects. Playing winter ball out of the United States was not viewed as an option.
After he played 145 or more games in each of the previous three seasons, the valuable Steer was limited to 98 games for Cincinnati in 2026. He is batting .238 with a .740 OPS, 16 home runs and 40 RBIs while playing six positions — including all three in the outfield and every infield spot except for shortstop.