[1] In spring training in 2013, Skipworth competed with Miguel Olivo for a spot on the 25-man roster as a backup catcher to Rob Brantly, the starter, following an injury to Jeff Mathis.

Olivo won the role, and Skipworth was optioned to the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League before the start of the season.

On November 18, 2014, Skipworth signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds that included an invitation to spring training.

In 78 games split between Louisville and the Double–A Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Skipworth slashed .199/.285/.403 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI.

[8] On June 9, 2016, the Reds activated Skipworth from the 60–day disabled list, but subsequently removed him from the 40–man roster and sent him outright to Pensacola.