Christian Encarnacion-Strand Could Play in Games Next Week
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) could get into Cactus League games at the beginning of next week, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Encarnacion-Strand came to spring training a bit behind the other position players due to a minor hamstring injury that he suffered in January, but it doesn't appear to be anything that will keep the 26-year-old from being ready to go for Opening Day in late March. Ke'Bryan Hayes is now locked in as the team's starting third baseman, while Eugenio Suarez, Sal Stewart, and Spencer Stewart should all rotate between first base and designated hitter in 2026, making it likely that Encarnacion-Strand will be on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot. CEH has notable power, but he chases outside the zone too much. The former fourth-rounder hit just .208/.234/.377 with a .610 OPS in 36 big-league games in 2025 and finished the year in the minors.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
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