CINCINNATI -- Manager David Bell announced on Thursday that the Reds were going to place left-hander Wade Miley on the 10-day injured list with a strained left groin, and the official move was made Friday. Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani will be activated from the IL and take Miley’s turn in the rotation on Sunday at Detroit.

DeSclafani missed his first start because of a mild strain of the right teres major and was replaced by Tyler Mahle, who will start on Tuesday vs. the Indians. The team also announced Thursday that rookie catcher Tyler Stephenson would be added to the taxi squad for the team's first road trip. Stephenson was optioned to the alternate workout site on Wednesday.

Miley, who signed a two-year, $15 million contract in the offseason, did not fare well in his Reds debut, on Monday vs. the Cubs. In an 8-7 loss, he allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits with two walks, two hit batsmen and three strikeouts over 1 2/3 innings and 57 pitches.

“The way it was explained to me was that he didn't feel 100 percent and didn't feel great during his start,” Bell said. “I think in the hours and days following that, it got worse, and he determined the groin was going to affect the way he pitched. So very cautious but smart move, because as we know, one injury can lead to another.”

With Mahle in the rotation, the club could lean on Lucas Sims, Brooks Raley and rookie Tejay Antone -- who delivered 4 1/3 strong innings in relief of Miley on Monday in his big league debut -- to be long men to back up starters who have shorter outings.

Bell and pitching coach Derek Johnson are optimistic that Miley will miss just Saturday’s turn in the rotation.

“We're looking at having him for the long haul, and hopefully it's just a start and he can get this under control,” Bell said. “Any time you're injured, your mind can cover things up a little bit, but I do believe it affected him in his first start.”

Suárez trying to find swing
Third baseman Eugenio Suárez snapped an 0-for-16 start to his season on Tuesday vs. the Cubs with a bloop ground-rule double on the right-field line in the eighth inning.

“I take those bloops," Suárez said on Thursday. "And you know what’s funny? I told Freddy Galvis, 'You know what I want right now? Just one of those bloops. I want a bloop and to put a ball in play. I don’t want to strike out,' and see what happens. And then I get my confidence back and try to feel better, see the ball better.”

Suárez hit a two-run single during a seven-run rally in the fifth inning of Wednesday's 12-7 win. He admitted he was trying to do too much over the first four games.

“I don’t try to swing at a bad pitch,” Suárez said. “My swing is not right, right now. The barrel is not on the ball, but in my mind, I see the ball very good. I see the ball so good.”

Grounds crew’s presence felt by Reds
Though the Reds have been playing without their fans at Great American Ball Park, they still have felt fortunate to have a cheering section in the grounds crew, which has been sitting in the seats behind first base or third base. The group has clapped in unison during rallies, banged on seats and even flapped their wings, like in the film “Angels in the Outfield.”

On Wednesday, to welcome back Mike Moustakas from the IL, the crew came prepared with moose antlers, big sunglasses and noisemakers.

“It's awesome,” Moustakas said. “Those guys and women work so hard, and for them to have a front-row seat and enjoy baseball like this is pretty cool. They have big glasses on, they had hats, they had everything. When I saw them put the moose antlers on, that was really cool.”

Curt Casali has also appreciated the grounds crew, as well as the help from up high -- CEO Bob Castellini’s suite.

“We can hear them yelling. Kudos to Mr. Castellini, because we can hear him,” Casali said. “I’ve really enjoyed hearing him and the cheer section. But I think the grounds crew is definitely one of the bright spots of the season so far. They’ve been unbelievable. Their energy has been felt.

“I, as well as everybody in that clubhouse, is really, really appreciative of what they’re bringing to the table right now. Hats off to them.”

Bowman injured
The Reds announced that right-handed reliever Matt Bowman’s option to the alternate workout site has been reversed. Instead, Bowman was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday because of a sprained right elbow. Cincinnati determined that Bowman was injured prior to the original roster move. He was not on the 30-man Opening Day roster.