Rehabbing Reds slugger is already flashing signs of a monster comeback

The Cincinnati Reds have been without Christian Encarnacion-Strand since mid-April. The Reds' first baseman has been sidelined with a lower-back injury, but is on his way back to the big leagues after beginning a rehab assignment last week. Following a brief stint in the Arizona Complex League, Encarnacion-Strand's rehab has since shifted to Triple-A Louisville.

Encarnacion-Strand is doing his part to earn a quick trip back to the Reds' active roster after recording back-to-back games with an extra-base hit. After blasting a double for the Louisville Bats on Sunday, Encarnacion-Strand unleashed a triple to center field on Tuesday night that came off the bat at 111.2 mph.

While Elly De La Cruz and Austin Hays have brought some pop to the Reds lineup of late, Cincinnati sure could use a boost from Encarnacion-Strand as well. Given his power-packed performance through two rehab games with the Bats, it might not be long before Cincinnati's fanbase sees Encarnacion-Strand back on the Reds roster.

Rehabbing Reds slugger Christian Encarnacion-Strand is already flashing signs of a monster comeback

Make no mistake, Encarnacion-Strand's impending return will not be a cure-all for the Reds lineup. While there's a lot to like about Encarnacion-Strand's makeup, his bat was rather quiet before that injury grounded him for the better part of a month. Prior to his IL stint, Encarnacion-Strand was only hitting .158/.183/.298 with two home runs and five RBI.

Nevertheless, Reds fans remember the version of Encarnacion-Strand who showed up in 2023 and outright assaulted baseballs with regularity. Encarnacion-Strand's rookie numbers (.270/.328/.477 with 13 home runs, 37 RBI, and a 112 OPS+) had fans waiting with bated breath to see how he'd follow up his 2023 campaign in 2024. Unfortunately, an injury derailed any hope of watching Encarnacion-Strand crush baseballs in 2024. He appeared in just 29 games and hit .190/.220/.293.

The Reds, surprisingly, rank 13th in MLB in slugging (.400) and have the 11th most homers (58) in the bigs this season, but getting Encarnacion-Strand back to form could help unlock even more power from Cincinnati's starting lineup.

It will be curious, however, to see how Reds manager Terry Francona allocates playing time once Encarnacion-Strand is back from the IL. Spencer Steer is playing Gold Glove defense at first base, and after a tough start, is beginning to find his swing. Encarnacion-Strand may be best served as the Reds' designated hitter once he returns from his rehab assignment, though an occasional start at first shouldn't be out of the question.

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