Spencer Steer (ribs) to be re-evaluated after HBP, exiting Reds loss

SEATTLE – As if another loss on the field during this lost season wasn’t dispiriting enough for the Cincinnati Reds in their series opener against the Mariners, one of their most consistent players this season faced the possibility of missing time after getting hit by a pitch.

Spencer Steer, the Reds’ most versatile player, got hit in the ribs by a pitch in the seventh inning of the 8-0 loss and stayed in the game until the bottom of the eighth, when Noelvi Marte took over in right field.

“I knew he was hurting. When he tried to swing it was really bothering him,” said manager Terry Francona, who said the medical staff didn’t see anything serious on initial x-ray results.

“That’s encouraging,” Francona said. “The thing that’s discouraging, the thing for me, is he never says a word. He’s a tough kid.”

Steer has never been on the injured list in his career and has often called that a source of pride.

The medical staff was still working on him after the game, Francona said.

Steer, who has played all three outfield spots and three infield spots this season, has proven such a valuable part of the roster that multiple teams are targeting him in trade talks with the Reds despite the fact the Reds are not shopping him.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Spencer Steer (ribs) to be re-evaluated after HBP, exiting Reds loss