Reds News: Christian Encarnacion-Strand's MRI, Frankie Montas update, Justin WIlson

The Cincinnati Reds have been decimated by injuries this season. It began with TJ Friedl and then spiraled out of control. Matt McLain, Tejay Antone, Tyler Stephenson, Jake Fraley, and others started dropping like flies.

Reds manager David Bell entered Tuesday night's game against the San Diego without two of his best right-handed bats. Both Stephenson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand were out of the lineup for the third time in three days. Fraley was absent from the starting lineup as well.

Both players were hit-by-pitch during Saturday's game in Arlington and haven't returned to the lineup since. Luke Maile has been hanging the signs for the past three games, while Bell has used a combination of Spencer Steer and Jeimer Candelario at first base in Encarnacion-Strand's absence.

Reds News: Christian Encarnacion-Strand's MRI comes back clean

If you're looking for a bit of good news on the injury front, it appears that Encarnacion-Strand could be back in the Reds' lineup as soon as Wednesday when Cincinnati looks to wrap up their two-city road trip. Encarnacion-Strand was observed taking batting practice before Tuesday's game after his MRI showed no serious damage.

That's certainly a relief, as the Reds do not have enough depth to withstand the loss of yet another infielder. Already without McLain, Cincinnati does not have Noelvi Marte available either as he's serving an 80-game suspension for PED use.

Reds News: Frankie Montas injury update

Montas has been on the IL since taking a comebacker off his forearm nearly two weeks ago. The Reds Opening Day starter has been replaced in the rotation by fellow free agent signee Nick Martinez. But it sounds as if Montas is on track to return from his IL stint at the earliest possible date.

Montas reportedly threw a side session earlier this week in San Diego, and is expected to be activated in time for the Reds' upcoming home series against the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks.

Reds News: Justin Wilson exits after comebacker

Speaking of comebackers, Justin Wilson was the latest victim. Padres' outfielder Jose Azocar lined a ball up the middle off Wilson's right leg just below his knee. The Reds' left-hander hobbled around the mound for a few moments before eventually exiting with members of the training staff.

If Wilson is forced to miss time, the Reds have left-handers Brent Suter and Sam Moll in the bullpen, and players like Casey Legumina and Carson Spiers down at Triple-A. With an off day on Thursday, the Reds are unlikely to make a determination on Wilson's status until after the road trip.

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