Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Steer Eager to Leave Weirdness Behind

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gary Schatz | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 4:06 PM ET

Spencer Steer feels weird as a designated hitter. He is eager to get out on the field to play defense.

“I can’t wait to get out there and start playing a position,” Steer said. “DH feels a little weird. You don’t really feel that you’re part of the game, honestly.”

Reds will slowly reintroduce him to throwing from first base simulating a double-play situation.

“It’s a different feel. You don’t have that rhythm of running out for defense, leaving your at-bat behind and now you’re in defense mode. My throwing is progressing really well. I’m excited to get back out there,” Steer added.

Steer had a tough time in the first six games as a DH. He had one hit in his first 18 at-bats. In his last five games, he has five hits in 17 at-bats with a home run and two doubles.

Perhaps early he was thinking too much about his last at-bat when he went to the plate. Playing defense again won’t allow him to overthink.

One of Steer’s sources of pride was that he had never landed on the injured list. That was about to end before Austin Hay's calf strain changed the Reds’ plans. They changed course and decided to get Steer at-bats as the DH. He only had seven at-bats in Cactus League games.

“He played with that shoulder all year,” manager Terry Francona said as the decision was made to place Steer on the injured list. “It isn’t fair to him to ask him to do it again. He wanted to play. I get it. I admire it.”

Steer’s average was down 50 points in 2024 compared to 2023, yet he drove in 92 runs, compared to 86 in 2023. He found a way to be productive.

He’s worked with the Reds medical staff to not only heal the shoulder but correct the mechanics that fell out of whack from working around his shoulder pain.

That appears to be corrected.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: