Reds latest injury reveals why Santiago Espinal is learning a new position

The Cincinnati Reds will now be without one of their best power-hitters for at least the next week or so after placing Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the 10-day injured list with low back inflammation. The Reds recalled Noelvi Marte from Triple-A Louisville to take his spot on the 26-man roster.

Many Reds fans are undoubtedly curious why the Reds didn't just make this move on Tuesday when Cincinnati activated Matt McLain and Austin Hays from the 10-day IL. Encarnacion-Strand was already deemed "banged up" by manager Terry Francona. Rather than optioning Marte back to the minors, Cincy could have just placed CES on the IL and kept their former top prospect on the active roster.

This is undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity for Marte to build off his brief tenure with the club earlier this month, but a major question arises with the absence of Encarnacion-Strand. Who's going to take over at first base? Believe it or not, that duty may fall to Santiago Espinal.

Reds latest injury reveals why Santiago Espinal is learning a new position

Prior to Wednesday's game between the Reds and Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith observed Espinal putting in time at first base during pregame workouts. Most Reds fans didn't think much of it at the time considering the fact that Espinal is one of Cincinnati's most versatile defenders.

An infielder throughout most of his professional career, Espinal saw time in both left and right field last season, and even made two starts in the Reds outfield this season. But with Encarnacion-Strand's placement on the IL, it would seem that Espinal should get used to playing first base on occasion.

The Reds could also turn to Jeimer Candelario, but the veteran has gotten off to a woeful start at the plate in 2025. He's hitting just .125/.219/.196 with 17 OPS+. Spencer Steer would normally be an option at first base as well, but a shoulder injury has kept him from playing the field. While he's making progress, Steer is currently restricted to DH duty.

The Reds don't have many other options at the moment, and while they're probably better off with Candelario under most cirmcumstances, it wouldn't be surprising to see Espinal log a start or two at first base while Encarnacion-Strand is on the mend.

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