Third base experiment may be last shot for forgotten Reds slugger

Christian Encarnacion-Strand was once such an exciting young talent in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Unfortunately, he's never been able to put it together at the highest level.

Encarnacion-Strand has more or less been phased out of the team's plans — stuck in Triple-A as roster depth just in case the team needs an injury replacement. If there is a path back to Cincinnati, it's certainly not at first base. Sal Stewart has laid claim to that spot moving forward, plus the Reds have Spencer Steer and Nathaniel Lowe on the roster as well.

It's not a shock then to see the Reds give Encarnacion-Strand a tryout at third base to begin the year in the minor leagues. He started at the hot corner during the Louisville Bats' opener on Friday, and was in the lineup as the team's DH on Saturday.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is auditioning for the Reds (and the rest of MLB)

Encarnacion-Strand has never been an elite defender, but he's graded out around league average at both firs and third base in limited big-league action. Still just 26 years old, he has enough athleticism to make the transition back to the hot corner.

If Encarnacion-Strand flashes some impressive leather in Triple-A, he could get another chance to play in Cincinnati. All-universe defender Ke'Bryan Hayes is the Reds' starter at third base, but his offensive track record leaves a lot to be desired and he has a history of chronic back ailments. Veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez is on the roster, however, and will be the first option to replace Hayes at third base should the Gold Glover struggle or land on the IL.

Nevertheless, this entire conversation is moot if Encarnacion-Strand doesn't show a lot more maturity at the plate. He was mediocre in spring training, and continued to strike out with regularity and failed to draw even one walk. His lack of a discerning eye has been the great weakness plaguing him since his MLB debut. A pitiful 4.2% walk rate alludes to his non-existent on-base skills.

Encarnacion-Strand historically crushed Triple-A pitching (.928 OPS), so the Reds would be wise to let him build up some confidence at the level as re-learns the nuances of third base. If Cincinnati has no need for him down the road, a strong first-half in the minors could make him the apple of another team's eye around the trade deadline.

It's an unlikely comeback story, but maybe the former top prospect can rediscover enough magic to entice the Reds or another squad to call him up this season.