3 takeaways following the Reds surprising move to option Nick Senzel to Triple-A

3. Christian Encarnacion-Strand may receive more playing at third base.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand should see more playing time over the next few weeks, and could even find a home at third base on occasion. Though he exited Friday's game after being hit on the hand by a pitch, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, x-rays were negative.

While a lot of Reds fans view Encarnacion-Strand as the future at first base, the former Minnesota Twins farmhand has plenty of experience at the hot corner as well. Encarnacion-Strand played 67 games at Triple-A Louisville this season and drew 16 starts at third base.

With Nick Senzel in Triple-A, fans should expect to see Encarnacion-Strand in the lineup nearly every day. His playing time had been sporadic upon initially joining the Reds, but that will change moving forward.

Spencer Steer has proven to be a versatile defender, and got the start at third base on Friday night in Pittsburgh. Fans could continue to the see the platoon of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Joey Votto at first base and DH, but don't shocked to see the rookie get time at third base as well.

To this point in the season, Encarnacion-Strand has played just four innings at the hot corner. While it may not be his ultimate position, with Nick Senzel off the active roster, the flexibility is there. Doing so would continue to keep the best bats in the lineup, but allow David Bell to keep players fresh by being more selective with the designated hitter spot in the batting order.