Reds News: Graham Ashcraft's injury, Christian Encarnacion-Strand update, Nick Senzel

The Cincinnati Reds enjoyed a 7-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Friday night. The Redlegs have two more games against the Fish before entering the All-Star break. As of Saturday, the Reds are just three games back in the Wild Card race and in a dead-heat with their NL Central rival, the Chicago Cubs.

The Reds rallied behind starter Carson Spiers on Friday night who struck out the first six batters he faced. The rookie finished the game with nine punch outs through five innings of work while allowing three runs on six hits. Spiers is 3-2 on the season with a 3.83 ERA.

The pitcher who Spiers replaced in the Reds rotation, however, was placed on the injured list this past week. On Friday, Reds manager David Bell gave a less-than-optimistic injury update on Graham Ashcraft.

Reds News: Graham Ashcraft's injury will keep him out until at least September

Ashcraft was originally optioned to the minor leagues earlier this week when Nick Lodolo was activated from the IL. But upon further investigation, it was noted that Ashcraft was battling an injury and the Reds placed the right-hander on the 15-day IL with a right elbow strain.

On Friday, Bell revealed that if all goes well, Ashcraft might return sometime in September. The Reds' pitching depth has certainly been tested this season. Ashcraft joins Brandon Williamson, Tejay Antone, Emilio Pagán, and Ian Gibaut as Cincinnati's fifth pitcher currently occupying a spot on the IL.

Reds News: Christian Encarnacion-Strand finally undergoes surgery

Christian Encarnacion-Strand has been on the injured list since May 8th, but just underwent surgery this past Thursday. Encarnacion-Strand suffered ligament damage in his right wrist after being hit by a pitch during a game against the Texas Rangers at the end of April.

The recovery time is set at about three months, which virtually guarantees Reds Country won't see Encarnacion-Strand on the field until next spring in Goodyear. Injury aside, it's been a tough sophomore season for the Reds' slugger who was hitting just .190/.220/.293 before landing on the IL.

Reds News: Former Cincy OF Nick Senzel released by Nationals

Earlier this week, the Washington Nationals designated Nick Senzel for assignment. The Reds' former first-round pick had signed a one-year deal with the Nats this past winter after being non-tendered by Cincinnati last November.

Rather than outright Senzel to the minor leagues, Washington released the third baseman. After DFA'ing Senzel on July 6th, the Nationals were looking to trade him but obviously had no takers. Senzel is once again a free agent and may have to settle for a minor league deal this time around. And no, the Reds should not look for a reunion.

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