CHRISTIAN ENCARNACION-STRAND NEWS

Demoted to minors The Reds optioned Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand has seen his playing time dwindle over the past several days, and Jake Fraley's (shoulder) return from the IL will now leave the former without a spot on the active roster. The 25-year-old infielder has slashed .208/.234/.377 across 137 plate appearances this season.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Demoted to minors The Reds optioned Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand has seen his playing time dwindle over the past several days, and Jake Fraley's (shoulder) return from the IL will now leave the former without a spot on the active roster. The 25-year-old Encarnacion-Strand has slashed .208/.234/.377 across 137 plate appearances this season.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

On bench again Encarnacion-Strand was held out of the starting lineup for a third straight game Wednesday.

Impact Since Noelvi Marte's return from the injured list, Encarnacion-Strand has started once over the last five games. For now, Marte (third base) and Spencer Steer (first) hold down the corner infield spots while designated hitter is a rotation of bodies. Encarnacion-Strand has been a sub-.200 hitter (10-for-56, .179) over the last month (17 games).

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Losing out on playing time Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Impact With Noelvi Marte returning from the injured list Friday, the Reds' position-player group is now back to full strength with the exception of outfielder Jake Fraley (shoulder), who remains on the shelf. As a result of the logjam in the infield, Encarnacion-Strand has unsurprisingly found himself as the odd man out of the lineup more frequently. Encarnacion-Strand will head to the bench for the third time in four games since Marte's activation.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Taking seat Friday Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

Impact The 25-year-old started the previous four games and has been a lineup regular since returning from lower-back inflammation in early June, but Noelvi Marte's (oblique) activation from the injured list Friday leaves Cincinnati with a crowded infield. Encarnacion-Strand has a .723 OPS since coming back from his injury and could be the odd man out for the Reds, though he still seems likely to receive semi-regular starts.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Last Night in Baseball: Blue Jays Down Yankees Again, Tied for 1st in AL East

The Blue Jays defeat the Yankees and now aim for a sweep, Clayton Kershaw makes history, Terry Francona inches toward his own and more from...

JULY 3 • FOX SPORTS

Launches grand slam in win Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-5 with a grand slam and a second run scored in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Red Sox.

Impact After fouling a ball off his foot in the continuation of a suspended game earlier Wednesday, Encarnacion-Strand was able to rejoin the lineup in the nightcap and proved to be the difference maker. The 25-year-old first baseman blasted a 439-foot grand slam off Greg Weissert to put the Reds ahead 4-3 in the seventh inning. It's the first homer since June 8 for Encarnacion-Strand, who'd gone 8-for-51 (.157) with an ugly .362 OPS in his last 15 games. He's now slashing .206/.233/.381 with six homers, 19 RBI and 13 runs scored through 133 plate appearances this season.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Launches grand slam in win Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-5 with a grand slam and a second run scored in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Red Sox.

Impact After fouling a ball off his foot in the continuation of a suspended game earlier Wednesday, Encarnacion-Strand was able to rejoin the lineup in the nightcap and proved to be the difference maker. The 25-year-old first baseman blasted a 439-foot grand slam off Greg Weissert to put the Reds ahead 4-3 in the seventh inning. It's the first homer since June 8 for Encarnacion-Strand, who'd gone 8-for-51 (.157) with an ugly .362 OPS in his last 15 games. He's now slashing .206/.233/.381 with six homers, 19 RBI and 13 runs scored through 133 plate appearances this season.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Encarnacion-Strand hits his 1st career grand slam to power Reds' rally to beat Red Sox 8-4

Christian Encarnacion-Strand hits his first career grand slam, leading the Cincinnati Reds to an 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox

JULY 3 • Associated Press

Cleared to start Wednesday Encarnacion-Strand (foot) will start at first base and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Impact Earlier Wednesday, the Reds and Red Sox resumed their suspended game from Tuesday. Encarnacion-Strand started that game at third base and went 1-for-3 before being lifted in the bottom of the eighth inning after he had fouled a ball off his foot in the top of the frame. The Reds didn't include him in their initial lineup for Wednesday's scheduled game, but Encarnacion-Strand will end up starting after Spencer Steer was scratched due to a hand injury that he suffered earlier in the day when he was hit by a pitch. Though Encarnacion-Strand may not be 100 percent while he tends to the foot issue, the Reds evidently felt that Steer was more in need of rest and recovery for the nightcap.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Out after fouling ball off foot Encarnacion-Strand (foot) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Boston.

Impact The Reds and Red Sox resumed a suspended game earlier in the day, and Encarnacion-Strand was removed from that contest after fouling a ball off his foot, per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. It's not clear whether he underwent X-rays. The Reds could have more information on Encarnacion-Strand's status after the game. Spencer Steer and Santiago Espinal are handling the corner infield spots.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Reds and Red Sox suspended because of rain, will finish as part of day-night doubleheader Wednesday

The middle game of the three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston was suspended because of rain with the Red Sox leading 2-1 heading into the fourth inning and will r...

JULY 2 • Associated Press

Getting breather Saturday Encarnacion-Strand isn't in the starting lineup Saturday versus San Diego.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand has started each of Cincinnati's previous four contests and went 2-for-12 with three runs batted in during that stretch, with both of the hits and all of the RBI coming in the same game. He'll begin on the bench Saturday while Santiago Espinal starts at the hot corner and Spencer Steer starts at first base.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Amasses three RBI in victory Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a double in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Yankees.

Impact The three RBI matched a season high for Encarnacion-Strand, who's supplied plenty of pop since coming off the injured list. Across his last 49 at-bats since returning a back injury, the slugging infielder is batting a healthy .265 with three home runs, two doubles and 10 RBI. Encarnacion-Strand remains in a timeshare with Spencer Steer at first base, however, and the former could face even more competition for playing time once Noelvi Marte (oblique) is ready to rejoin the Reds.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Reds designate $45M infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment after injury-plagued stint

Jeimer Candelario — the Reds' highest-priced signing of the past six seasons — has seen his tenure in Cincinnati end

JUNE 24 • Associated Press

Playing time trending down Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand got off to a hot start at the plate upon returning from the injured list June 6, but he's gone just 3-for-25 with seven strikeouts over his last seven contests. Now on the bench for the fourth time in the Reds' last five games, Encarnacion-Strand could be in danger of a demotion to Triple-A Louisville during the upcoming week. The Reds announced Sunday that Jeimer Candelario (back) has returned from his rehab assignment, and Encarnacion-Strand would be a logical candidate to get optioned to clear a spot for the veteran.

JUNE 22 • ROTOWIRE

Playing time trending down Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand got off to a hot start at the plate upon returning from the injured list June 6, but he's gone just 3-for-25 with seven strikeouts over his last seven contests. Now on the bench for the fourth time in the Reds' last five games, Encarnacion-Strand could be in danger of a demotion to Triple-A Louisville during the upcoming week. The Reds announced Sunday that Jeimer Candelario (back) has returned from his rehab assignment, and Encarnacion-Strand would be a logical candidate to get optioned to Triple-A to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Candelario.

JUNE 22 • ROTOWIRE

Out of Cincinnati lineup Encarnacion-Strand is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand started the first seven contests upon his activation from the 10-day injured list and homered in each of the first three of those games. However, he's gone just 2-for-21 with seven strikeouts in his last six games and this will be the second time across the last four tilts that he's been out of the lineup. Spencer Steer and Santiago Espinal will handle corner infield duties for the Reds.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Idle Saturday Encarnacion-Strand isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers.

Impact In seven games since returning from the injured list, Encarnacion-Strand has gone 9-for-19 (.310) with three home runs, seven RBI and five runs scored. The Reds will give him a chance to rest Saturday while Spencer Steer starts at first base and Gavin Lux mans third.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Idle Saturday Encarnacion-Strand isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers.

Impact In seven games since returning from the injured list, Encarnacion-Strand has gone 9-for-19 (.310) with three home runs, seven RBI and five runs scored. The Reds will give him a chance to rest Saturday while Spencer Steer starts at first base and Gavin Lux mans third.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Carlos Santana hits grand slam as Guardians beat Reds 11-2 to avoid season sweep by Francona's club

Carlos Santana slugged his sixth career grand slam and the Cleveland Guardians beat Cincinnati 11-2 on Wednesday, snapping the Reds’ five-game win streak and denying manager Terry...

JUNE 11 • Associated Press

Starts at third base Encarnacion-Strand started at third base and went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Cleveland.

Impact This was the first time in five games that Encarnacion-Strand failed to reach base safely since coming off the IL; he'd gone 8-for-17 with a double, three home runs and seven RBI over the first four contests. This marked the third time in those five games that he's started at third base. Reds manager Terry Francona needs to find time for both Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, and it appears Santiago Espinal's regular run at third base has ended.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Starts at third base Encarnacion-Strand started at third base and went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Cleveland.

Impact This was the first time in five games that Encarnacion-Strand failed to reach base safely since coming off the IL; he'd gone 8-for-17 with a double, three home runs and seven RBI over the first four contests. This marked the third time in those five games that he's started at third base. Reds manager Terry Francona needs to find time for both Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, and it appears Santiago Espinal's regular run at third base has ended.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Fraley and Miley propel Reds past Guardians 7-4 in Francona's return

Jake Fraley, had three hits, including a home run in the fourth inning, Wade Miley got his first win since 2023 and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-4 in Terry Fr...

JUNE 10 • Associated Press

Stays hot in win Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand got the Reds on the board with a 403-foot blast in the fourth inning. He enjoyed an ideal return to action over the weekend, homering in all three games while collecting seven hits and six RBI. The 25-year-old is now slashing .229/.257/.486 with five home runs, 11 RBI and seven runs scored across 74 plate appearances this season, and he earned his second start at third base Sunday.

JUNE 9 • ROTOWIRE