As spring training got underway this week in Arizona, Cincinnati Reds fans were met with familiar frustration. In a concerning echo of the injury-riddled 2024 season, the team announced that both Rhett Lowder and Spencer Steer would have limited workloads. However, with setbacks come opportunities, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand may be poised to seize his.
Much like Graham Ashcraft on the pitching side, Encarnacion-Strand was once a highly regarded prospect but now finds himself without a clear role. Injuries have hampered his progress over the past two seasons, preventing him from securing a consistent spot in the Reds’ lineup. Since making his MLB debut in July 2023, he has appeared in just 92 games.
As Reds infielder Spencer Steer continues to rehab his shoulder, Christian Encarnacion-Strand has a golden opportunity
Steer was the favorite to take over first base in 2025, but with a crowded outfield limiting his opportunities, he seemed destined for the role. However, an extended recovery from a shoulder injury will keep him in the designated hitter spot for now. This opens the door for Christian Encarnacion-Strand (CES) to compete for a roster spot with a strong showing in spring training.
When fully healthy, CES possesses some of the best power on the team. His swing is a perfect fit for Great American Ball Park, and if he can stay on the field, he has the potential to hit 30 home runs. On a Reds team that has emphasized speed in recent seasons, CES could provide a much-needed power boost to the lineup.
Staying healthy has been a challenge for CES. Before reaching the Majors, he missed time due to a concussion while in the Twins’ organization and dealt with a herniated disc. His most serious injury came in April 2024 when a pitch fractured his wrist and damaged ligaments in his hand, requiring surgery and ultimately costing him the season.
The silver lining is that two of those injuries were freak occurrences, and the herniated disc hasn’t been an issue since early 2023. If his Arizona Fall League performance is any indication, CES appears to have recovered well, suggesting durability may not be a major concern moving forward.
The Reds also seem optimistic about his role, as he remains in the mix for both first and third base. That bodes well for the possibility of a breakout season from the young slugger.
Leave a Reply