Cincinnati Reds catching prospect Will Banfield has been called up from Triple-A Louisville for his big league debut as Tyler Stephenson (thumb) heads to the injured list with a broken thumb. The 25-year-old is spending his first season in the Reds' organization this year after spending the first part of his career with Miami ever since being drafted in 2018. The 6-foot backstop is a .236 hitter during his time at Triple-A over the last two seasons, although he was hitting well recently, riding a four-game hit streak during which he was 8-for-16 (.500), including a pair of doubles. He did hit 23 home runs at Double-A in 2023, so there is some pop in his bat, but he's got just two long balls this year in 73 games and will settle in as the backup to Jose Trevino. As such, he does not hold any fantasy value and can remain on the waiver wire in all leagues.

Miami Marlins catching prospect Will Banfield went 2-for-4 with a home run on Thursday to extend his current hitting streak to six games. In addition, this was the third consecutive game where Banfield hit a home run. Prior to this stretch, the 24-year-old went hitless in his previous ten games. Overall, through his first look at Triple-A ball, the 24-year-old holds a .232/.289/.405 slash line with seven home runs, 26 RBI, and a 15:60 BB:K ratio. While his batting average has taken a tip at Triple-A, his power production has remained relatively stable, which is a good sign going forward. The number 30 ranked prospect in the Miami system on MLB Pipeline is projected to make his major league debut sometime this summer.