Reds News: Christian Encarnacion-Strand's surgery, former Cincy pitcher joins rival

The hits just keep on coming for the Cincinnati Reds, at least in terms of untimely injuries. On Tuesday, the Reds lost Nick Lodolo to a blister on his left hand. The former first-round pick suffered the injury during his previous start, and will now be out of the rotation for the next two weeks.

The Reds have yet to name a starter for Wednesday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but all signs point to Graham Ashcraft rejoining the club after a two-week tuneup down in Triple-A Louisville.

While Lodolo's injury isn't expected to keep the southpaw out much past the 15-day minimum, the same cannot be said about injured infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Reds manager David Bell gave an unpleasant update regarding the slugger's future in 2024.

Reds News: Christian Encarnacion-Strand scheduled for season-ernding surgery

Encarnacion-Strand is scheduled to undergo wrist surgery next month. Reds fans will remember that Encarnacion-Strand's initial injury was diagnosed after the first baseman was hit-by-pitch back in late-April.

After a few days off, Encarnacion-Strand returned to the Reds' lineup, but eventually landed on the 10-day IL with a right ulnar styloid fracture. And now, Reds fans won't see CES back on the field until next spring. This is a tough look for the Reds' medical staff who reportedly cleared Encarnacion-Strand to play weeks ago. But after receiving a second opinion, the infielder opted for surgery.

Reds News: Joel Kuhnel joins the Brewers bullpen

Joel Kuhnel is back in the big leagues after having his contract selected by the Milwaukee Brewers. The former Reds reliever was part of the Houston Astros roster earlier this season, but was eventually designated for assignment. Kuhnel was then picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays, but only appeared in six games at Triple-A Buffalo before being handed hit walking papers once again.

Kuhnel has a new team now, and will be pitching out of the Brewers' bullpen. Kuhnel had been down at Triple-A Nashville since signing a minor-league deal with the Brew Crew earlier this season. The hard-throwing right-hander has a collective 2.52 ERA in 19 minor league games this season.

Reds News: Austin Wynns outrighted to Triple-A

The Reds called up Austin Wynns late last week when Tyler Stephenson was listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Once Stephenson proved that he was healthy once again, the Reds designated Wynns for assignment.

Thankfully, Wynns went unclaimed and was outrighted back to Triple-A Louisville. After the Reds' disastrous 2022 season saw them use seven catchers over 162 games, it's nice to have some quality depth down on the farm.

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