Reds shock fans with brutal DFA decision after Jose Trevino injury

The Cincinnati Reds placed catcher Jose Trevino on the 10-day injured list with a thoracic spine strain. But the Reds shockingly designated Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment in order to make room for Trevino's replacement.

The Reds only had two catchers on the 40-man roster and selected the contract of P.J. Higgins to take Trevino's spot. But Cincinnati needed to make a corresponding move in order to add Higgins to the roster, and choose DFA Encarnacion-Strand.

Reds DFA Christian Encarnacion-Strand following Jose Trevino's injury

This is quite the shock to a Reds fanbase that fell in love with the sweet (and powerful) swing of Encarnacion-Strand in 2023. Cincinnati acquired Encarnacion-Strand at the 2022 trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins, in a deal that also included Spencer Steer.

Since 2024, Encarnacion-Strand has struggled to stay on the field, and when he was healthy, he struggled at the dish. Last season, he hit just .208 with a .610 OPS in 36 games and spent most of the year with the team's Triple-A affiliate.

The Reds optioned Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Louisville to begin the year. In 10 games with the Louisville Bats he was hitting just .222/.275/.472 with two home runs and 14 strikeouts.

Losing Trevino is going to sting. While his bat is below average, the Reds' backstop is one of the most trusted and respected players on the team. The pitching staff loves playing alongside Trevino, and his absence will undoubtedly place a heavy burden on Tyler Stephenson's shoulders. A timeline for Trevino's return is not yet known.

Higgins will now be Stephenson's running mate behind the dish. He's been with the Reds organization for the past two seasons, but hasn't been in a Major League game since 2022. The 32-year-old is known more for his defense than his bat, and was hitting just .083 with a .483 OPS at Triple-A Louisville this season.

The Reds will have about a week to trade Encarnacion-Strand to another team, or he could be plucked off waivers. If no submits a claim, however, the Reds could outright him back to the minor leagues, but he won't count against the team's 40-man roster.