3 bold predictions with 100 games remaining in the Reds 2023 season

We've reached 62 games played in the 2023 season and the Cincinnati Reds, a team that everyone throughout baseball buried before Opening Day, are right in the thick of a jumbled NL Central Division.

Not only that, but over the past few weeks, Cincinnati has brought up players like Matt McLain, Andrew Abbott, and Elly De La Cruz. The Reds have just taken a series from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and are on the verge of sweeping one of the best team's in the National League before heading on a road trip to Missouri.

There are now 100 games remaining on the Cincinnati Reds 2023 schedule. Sitting at 28-33 and five games out of first-place in the division, what are three bold predictions that could come true over the remainder of the season?

1. Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand will remain in the minor leagues until August.

The Cincinnati Reds have brought eight rookies up to The Show so far in 2023. That number grows to nine when you include Spencer Steer who made his major league debut in 2022, though his rookie status is still intact.

But that number isn't likely to get much bigger anytime soon. Well, you might see a couple relievers make their debut in the coming weeks, but don't look for Christian Encarnacion-Strand to make an appearance until after the All-Star break.

Why? Because the Reds roster is extremely cluttered at the moment. Manager David Bell is already struggling to get adequate playing time for the 26 players currently on the active roster, and there's at least four players on the IL who'll demand playing time once they're fully healthy.

Joey Votto, Nick Senzel, TJ Friedl, and Wil Myers are all on the injured list. Votto is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. Myers' timetable is a bit foggy, but both Senzel and Friedl are likely to return in the next few days or so.

Once the trade deadline passes, this roster could look a little different, and it may allow for Christian Encarnacion-Strand to find a spot in the lineup. But until then, the slugger may need to extend in lease in Louisville for another month or so.