Reds Injury Update: Rhett Lowder timeline, Christian Encarnacion-Strand rehab

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona gave a pair of injury updates on Friday; one was much more promising than the other. According to Francona, pitcher Rhett Lowder suffered a significant oblique injury during his rehab start at Triple-A Louisville earlier this week. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, however, is headed to the Derby City as he takes the next step in his rehab assignment.

Lowder exited his last start after throwing just one pitch during the second inning. The right-hander immediately stepped off the mound and was seen favoring his left side. Francona used the word "significant" during Friday's pregame press conference, and FanDuel Sports Network's Jim Day provided even more context during the Reds series opener against the Chicago Cubs.

"When you hear oblique strain, alarm bells go off," Day said. "And then more alarm bells when you hear Terry Francona describe it as fairly significant. No timetable from the Reds, but we are talking about months with this type of injury."

Rhett Lowder's injury timeline is still unknown, but it'll be months before the Reds starter returns to the mound

Day's right, we're talking months. He later mentioned that Lowder was in Cincinnati to undergo further testing, and while the results are still unknown, the writing's on the wall - he's going to be out, likely, until after the All-Star break.

This is nothing new for the Reds who lost Matt McLain to an oblique injury in the past, and it's the same type of injury that sidelined Tyler Stephenson earlier this year. Lowder's, however, sounds much serious. While his presence in the Reds rotation isn't needed at the moment, that could change rather quickly.

Wade Miley is working his way back from injury and will add some measure of depth to the Reds' starting rotation. With Carson Spiers now on the 60-day IL, he won't be able to return until at least the middle of June. Cincinnati's pitching depth has certainly taken a hit over the past few weeks.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand's rehab assignment shifts to Triple-A Louisville

Encarnacion-Strand has left the Reds' team complex in Arizona and is headed to Louisville. The talented Reds' slugger has been on the IL since April 17 with a lower back injury. Prior to hitting the injured list, CES was only hitting .158/.183/.298 through 15 games.

By the time Encarnacion-Strand is ready to go, he may find it difficult to secure a spot in the Reds' everyday lineup. Spencer Steer's flawless defense at first base could make it near impossible for Encarnacion-Strand to win that spot back. Steer's bat has finally come alive as well, hitting .291/.328/.436 in his last 15 games and riding an 11-game hit streak.

The Reds have the ability, however, to option Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A and keep him on the Bats' roster until his services are needed in Cincinnati.

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