Christian Encarnacion-Strand - Page 9 - MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Major-league promotion on tap Encarnacion-Strand will be called up by the Reds on Monday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand has performed well at Triple-A Louisville over the first half of the 2023 campaign, slashing .331/.405/.637 with 20 homers, 65 runs, 62 RBI and two stolen bases. The 23-year-old has impressed at every level of the minors and will now have an opportunity to showcase his talents on the big-league stage alongside some of Cincinnati's other top prospects in Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. Encarnacion-Strand has seen some playing time in the outfield recently, and the corner outfield spots could be a path toward playing time if the Reds don't want to take at-bats away from Spencer Steer and Joey Votto. Regardless of Encarnacion-Strand's position, he's in line for regular at-bats with the major-league club as Cincinnati pushes for a playoff spot.

JULY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gets start in right field Encarnacion-Strand started in right field for Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Impact Encarnacion-Strand looks to be next in line among Cincinnati's prospects to be called up, though he's blocked at first base by Spencer Steer and potentially Joey Votto (shoulder). The Reds have comparatively struggled to get production from their corner outfield positions, as Stuart Fairchild has regularly started in left field of late while a combination of Will Benson and T.J. Hopkins have started in right. It's unclear if Encarnacion-Strand will prove trustworthy enough with the glove to stick in the outfield, but it's potentially one more path for him to reach the majors.

JUNE 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leads Triple-A in ISO Encarnacion-Strand is hitting .352 with 14 home runs and a 25.2 percent strikeout rate in 33 games for Triple-A Louisville.

Impact While he rarely sees a pitch he doesn't like, Encarnacion-Strand has the ability to get the barrel on the ball, even when he swings at a pitcher's pitch. His .380 ISO leads all qualified Triple-A hitters, and his future home park in Cincinnati will only enhance his home run prowess. Defensively, Encarnacion-Strand fits best at first base or designated hitter, although he has also started seven games at third base this year. While Encarnacion-Strand appears ready for a call to the majors, his teammate Elly De La Cruz also appears ready, and the Reds may not have room for both of them to play regularly in the short term.

JUNE 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Debuts for Triple-A club Encarnacion-Strand (back) has gone 4-for-13 with a home run a double, a walk, two RBI and three runs scored in three games since he was activated from Triple-A Louisville's 7-day i...

Impact Though his back injury first cropped up in February, Encarnacion-Strand turned heads in the Cactus League while playing at less-than-optimal health before the Reds optioned him to minor-league camp in mid-March. Encarnacion-Strand's regular-season debut was delayed mainly for precautionary reasons while he dealt with a slight herniation in his back, but the 23-year-old should play on a near-everyday basis at Triple-A now that he's been activated. He won't strictly be limited to the designated-hitter role, either, as he's already made two of his three starts at first base.

APRIL 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE