Reds vs Orioles: Tyler Stephenson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back in the lineup

The nightmare is over, Reds fans. Several Cincinnati Reds players who've been absent for the past several games will be back in the starting lineup tonight when the Baltimore Orioles come to town.

The Reds have been playing shorthanded since Sunday. Both Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Tyler Stephenson were hit-by-pitch on Saturday, and the duo missed the series finale against the Texas Rangers and the entire three-game series against the San Diego Padres.

But Encarnacion-Strand and Stephenson will be back in the starting lineup tonight, as will Jake Fraley who's been plagued by an illness over the last several days. The Reds will face a team who's equally as young and talented when the Orioles make a visit to Great American Ball Park on Friday.

Reds vs Orioles: Hunter Greene looking to build off previous start

The Reds will send Hunter Greene to the bump tonight, and the former first-round pick will be looking to build off his most recent outing which saw the flamethrower go seven innings and allow just one hit while striking out six batters.

Greene will be opposed by Orioles left-handed Cole Irvin. The southpaw went seven innings and didn't allow a single run his previous time out. Irvin has very tidy 2-1 record and 3.49 ERA this season. This has the makings of pitchers duel.

Reds vs Orioles: Tyler Stephenson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back in the lineup

Jonathan India will be back atop the Cincinnati batting order and act as the team's designated hitter on Friday night. He'll be followed by Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer. Back from being hit on his hand by his former teammate Michael Lorenzen, Stephenson will bat cleanup on Friday night.

Encarnacion-Strand is back and will bat fifth and play first base. Jeimer Candelario, who's been heating up of late, will bat sixth and return to the hot corner. Santiago Espinal will handle second base duties and bat seventh. Rounding out the lineup will be Jake Fraley, who's been terrific against left-handers this season, and Stuart "Superman" Fairchild, who made an incredible catch on Wednesday in San Diego.

Reds fans will get to see some of the best young talent from both the American League and the National League on full display tonight at GABP.

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