Reds' top prospect Robert Stephenson cleared to throw off mound

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Top prospect Robert Stephenson has been cleared to throw off the mound. Stephenson will throw today.

Stephenson, the 22-year-old right-hander, was held back for a few days with shoulder discomfort.

"It just didn't feel right," he said. "I wanted to be really cautious and make sure it was 100 percent. I'm definitely ready to go. It feels really good."

Stephenson, the Reds top pick in the 2011 draft (27th overall) is in his second big league camp. He's coming off a bit of down year statistically. He went 7-10 with 4.74 ERA un 27 games with Double-A Pensacola.

Stephenson is rated as the 16th best prospect in baseball by Baseball America.