Following a series-opening loss to the Colorado Rockies on Friday night, the Cincinnati Reds made a significant lineup adjustment ahead of Saturday’s Game 2. The team activated outfielder Jake Fraley from the injured list and optioned infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Louisville.
The decision raised eyebrows, as many believed Encarnacion-Strand was ready for a full-time role in the majors. However, with a crowded roster full of emerging young talent, tough choices are inevitable. Fraley, now healthy, brings a needed left-handed bat to the lineup and offers defensive versatility, capable of covering all three outfield positions and first base. Although he’s struggled this season, batting .224 with five home runs and 17 RBIs, the Reds are hoping he can return to his 2024 form, when he hit .277 and was a more consistent contributor.
Encarnacion-Strand, meanwhile, has not matched his strong rookie season. Through 130 at-bats, he’s hitting just .208 with six homers and a .610 OPS—well below the .805 mark he posted last year. At just 25, he still has time to develop, and the Reds are betting on him refining his game in Triple-A.
Currently sitting at 48-47 and fourth in the NL Central, the Reds are only four games back in the Wild Card race. With the season still wide open, every roster move counts, and the team hopes Fraley’s return can provide a spark for their postseason push.
