Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand clobbers grand slam in exhibition game (video)

The Cincinnati Reds have been letting the kids play during the first week of exhibition games in Arizona.

One of the team's top infield prospects, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, showed why many in the organization are so high on the Oklahoma State product.

Encarnacion-Strand, who's seen time at both first and third base during Cactus League play, launched a mathom home run in the bottom of the eighth inning that cleared the bases during Wednesday's game against the Oakland Athletics.

Watch: Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand wallops grand slam

With the Oakland A's leading by a score of 10-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Cincinnati Reds loaded the bases with no outs and Christian Encarnacion-Strand at-bat. Encarnacion-Strand launched a 3-1 pitch over the wall and brought home the trio of Richie Martin, Matt McLain, and Nick Martini.

The blast was Encarnacion-Strand's first of Cactus League play, but it may not be his last. A key acquisition from the Minnesota Twins in the trade that sent Tyler Mahle to Minneapolis, Encarnacion-Strand slugged 32 home runs between High-A and Double-A last season.

With Joey Votto on the mend and both Kyle Farmer and Mike Moustkas no longer on the team, Encarnacion-Strand has been an increased look this spring at both corner infield spots.

It seem unlikely that the 23-year-old would actually break camp with the Reds, and he's most likely ticketed for a trip to Triple-A to begin his 2023 campaign with the Louisville Bats. However, stranger things have happened.

Jonathan India, after a very success spring training back in 2021, was able to coerce the Reds coaching staff to include him among the 26 players that left Goodyear that season. Perhaps Encarnacion-Strand can have the same type of impact.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand will have to keep battling if he hopes to be part of the Cincinnati Reds 2023 Opening Day roster. Spencer Steer seems like the most likely Reds player to be installed as the everyday third baseman, and non-roster invitee Jason Vosler is making a play for the roster as well.