Spencer Steer made a significant return to the field for the Cincinnati Reds, marking his first multi-hit game in two weeks. After rehabbing his shoulder, Steer expressed that playing in the field felt essential for his performance, showing improvement by hitting .111 as a DH before transitioning to first base. His two-hit game included crucial contributions during a seven-run inning, illustrating his versatility and potential to heat up.

Manager Terry Francona noted the positive mental impact of Steer's return to the field, hinting at his capability to regain form. With Christian Encarnacion-Strand currently on the injured list, Steer's flexibility becomes a strategic asset for the Reds, particularly as he works on his outfield mechanics.

Spencer Steer is set to return to the Cincinnati Reds' infield, bringing much-needed reinforcements to a struggling defense that has already committed 14 errors this season. After a seven-week rehabilitation following a shoulder injury, Steer, who has been serving as the designated hitter thus far, is expected to debut at first base this weekend. His return coincides with Christian Encarnacion-Strand's stint on the injured list due to lower back inflammation, making Steer's presence even more critical.

The Reds have shown some defensive improvement this season, ranking among the top three teams in various metrics. However, their last outing raised concerns after committing four errors in a single game, leading to six unearned runs. Bench coach Freddie Benavides expressed optimism that Steer's return will significantly benefit a team that already has been plagued by defensive lapses, especially with the absence of Encarnacion-Strand.

As the fantasy baseball season enters its mid-April phase, navigating player performances is crucial yet tricky. Early-season stats can be misleading, as shown by last year’s early standouts such as Spencer Steer, who fizzled after a hot start. Patience is essential; dropping early-round picks prematurely can lead to long-term regret. The article emphasizes an aggressive approach in pickups while being cautious with drops. Examples of rising talents include Kyren Paris, who has significantly improved his strikeout rate, and Tyler Soderstrom, who has shown strong early-season metrics. Conversely, players like Marcus Semien and Yainer Diaz are struggling, highlighting the volatile nature of baseball performance.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season kicks into gear, several underperforming players are on the hot seat, with many still being highly rostered despite their lackluster starts. Mark Vientos of the New York Mets, with a dismal .119 batting average, is struggling to find his rhythm, and his OPS of .412 raises concerns about his ability to maintain a spot on fantasy rosters. Similarly, Spencer Steer from the Cincinnati Reds has seen his performance drop sharply, leading to a demotion in the batting order after starting with high expectations.

Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays also faces scrutiny as his batting average plummets to .143, leaving fantasy managers questioning his viability. Meanwhile, Bailey Ober's inconsistent pitching for the Minnesota Twins has many debating whether he should remain in their lineups, especially following a rough start in his season debut. Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros, who showed promise last year, is struggling to recreate his success and has a concerning ERA of 9.45. As Week 3 approaches, the need to reassess these players is crucial for fantasy success.