ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Cincinnati Reds backup catcher Jose Trevino has progressed well enough in rehab work this week that he’s ready to return from the injured list.
After mulling the idea of activating him to start the April 22 day game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of a two-city road trip, the Reds chose to give Trevino and his 33-year-old back a few more days, given the upcoming schedule.
More: Reds LHP Nick Lodolo to make rehab start Sunday in Dayton
They plan to activate him April 26 when the Reds conclude a three-game home series against the Detroit Tigers.
“That actually buys him four more days,” said manager Terry Francona, referring to the scheduled off day this week followed by a pair of night games starter Tyler Stephenson would be scheduled to catch. “(Trevino) wouldn’t catch until probably Sunday.
“And if something happens to somebody, we can certainly change it.”
Trevino landed on the IL two weeks ago after dealing with upper back pain since spring training. He got an epidural and has been pain free during his subsequent ramp-up.
P.J. Higgins, who earned a first big-league appearance since 2022 when he was called up to take Trevino’s place on the roster, is expected to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Rays.
Dave Concepcion played his entire MLB career for the Cincinnati Reds, where he was a member of the Great Eight and Big Red Machine dynasty that won four NL championships and two World Series during the 1970s. Look back at his career in this gallery. In this photo, Concepcion and Joe Morgan celebrate at the 1976 World Series.
October 14, 1975: From left: Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, Ken Griffey Sr., Pete Rose and Sparky Anderson for Game 3 of the 1975 World Series, Riverfront Stadium.
Concepcion, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Pete Rose were all All-Stars in 1975.
October 18, 1975: Coach Alex Grammas, left, and Reds manager Sparky Anderson watch trainer Larry Starr with Concepcion after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch in the sixth inning.
August 24, 1976: Concepcion appears to have lost the race against the ball and first baseman Keith Hernandez against the Cards, but umpire Ed Sudol called him safe.
March 12, 1977: Concepcion puts an arm around Reds manager Sparky Anderson.
August 8, 1977: Pittsburgh Pirates' catcher Ed Ott holds his mitt aloft after making the tag on Concepcion in seventh inning.
March 25, 1979: Concepcion during a workout at the Reds' spring training complex.
June 1, 1979: Pete Rose takes some good-natured kidding from former teammate Concepcion after the Cincinnati Reds shortstop reached first on a walk.
April 6, 1982: Reds teammates Concepcion, left, and Dan Driessen share a chuckle during Opening Day pregame activities.
June 23, 1986: Atlanta catcher Bruce Benedict attempts to tag out Concepcion at home plate.
1987: Concepcion grips his bat during a game in the 1987 season.