Christian Encarnacion-Strand's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand was activated off the 60-day IL on Monday. With Encarnacion-Strand playing in the Arizona Fall League, he was initially on a rehab assignment but with it expiring he needed to be put back on the active roster as he continues to play in the AFL. The 24-year-old hit 32 home runs in 2022 in the minors, then hit another 33 between Triple-A and the majors in 2023, but was limited to just 29 games this season due to a wrist injury that eventually required surgery. Hopefully he can get back on track during the fall and will be ready to fortify the Reds lineup in 2025. Unfortunately for Amed Rosario, the veteran utility player was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Despite hitting .307 in 76 games to start the season for the Rays, Rosario was acquired by the Dodgers and then by the Reds, now having played for five different teams since 2020. The 28-year-old will be a free agent heading into the offseason.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hand), Matt McLain (shoulder) and Edwin Arroyo (shoulder) will play in the Arizona Fall League, which began play on Monday. Both McLain and Arroyo missed all of 2024 after suffering shoulder injuries. McLain also dealt with a stress reaction in his rib cage. He is slated to play shortstop, second base and center field in the AFL, and he could also play in the outfield. If fully healthy in 2025, McLain is expected to mostly see time at second in Cincinnati. Encarnacion-Strand was limited to 29 games before suffering a season-ending hand injury in June that required surgery. He will be available to play first and third base in the AFL and could also see action in the outfield. The 24-year-old will need to prove himself in spring training in order to find consistent playing time to open the 2025 campaign.

Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (wrist), who is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery back in the middle of July to fix ligaments in his fractured right wrist, has resumed baseball activities, according to manager David Bell. Encarnacion-Strand will have all offseason to rehab his injured wrist and should have plenty of time to get back to 100 percent before the start of spring training next February. It was a disappointing season for anyone that drafted the 24-year-old power-hitting right-hander in 2024, and not just because of his serious injury. The former fourth-rounder by the Minnesota Twins in 2021 out of Oklahoma State hit just .190 (22-for-116) with two home runs, 16 RBI and 13 runs scored in 29 games before getting hurt. Barring a setback with his wrist, CES should be a starter for Cincy in 2025.