The Cincinnati Reds have activated outfielder Jake Fraley from the 10-day injured list, prompting the team to option infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Louisville. This roster move comes as the Reds continue their push toward the playoffs, seeking to balance experience and health on the field.
Fraley’s Injury History and Current Outlook
Fraley’s last appearance in a major league game was on June 23, when he suffered a partial tear in his right labrum. This injury adds to a series of shoulder problems that have plagued him over recent years. To avoid surgery during the season, Fraley received a cortisone injection in an effort to manage pain and stay in the lineup. Whether this approach will succeed remains uncertain, especially as his offensive production has declined amid ongoing injuries.
Throughout 2024, Fraley has posted a batting line of .263/.330/.383 across 527 plate appearances, a drop compared to earlier seasons, impacted by additional physical setbacks, including a calf strain and a knee sprain that sidelined him at different points this year.
Outfield Situation and Team Strategy
The left-handed-hitting Fraley is expected to take on a more prominent role in the outfield, likely replacing Will Benson in the lineup. Cincinnati currently has several left-handed outfield options, including Benson, TJ Friedl, and Gavin Lux, creating an abundance of lefty bats. Austin Hays, a right-handed hitter who has played both left field and designated hitter, offers balance but has missed time due to multiple injuries this season. As the Reds strive to maintain their position in the National League wild card race, acquiring a dependable right-handed bat before the July 31 trade deadline remains a clear priority.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s Challenges and Demotion
Christian Encarnacion-Strand made an impressive rookie debut in 2023, hitting .270 with 13 home runs over 241 plate appearances and establishing himself as a promising young player. However, his momentum has stalled in 2024, as he has struggled to produce at the major league level, hitting only .199/.227/.337 across 260 plate appearances.
Injuries have significantly impacted Encarnacion-Strand’s progress this season. After undergoing surgery to repair a wrist fracture, he also spent time on the injured list with back issues this April, delaying his return until early June. Reds manager Terry Francona indicated that his recent rehab assignment aimed to help Encarnacion-Strand regain offensive form, but the results have been underwhelming so far.
With the team’s urgency to push deeper into the postseason, Encarnacion-Strand has now been optioned back to Triple-A Louisville. Despite his strong minor league OPS of 1.048 over 359 plate appearances, demonstrating that he has little left to prove in the minors, Cincinnati cannot afford to keep waiting for him to rediscover his game at the major league level during this critical stretch.
Implications for the Reds’ Playoff Aspirations
This roster shuffle highlights the Reds’ delicate balancing act as they face multiple injuries and fluctuating player performance while battling for a playoff spot. Activating Fraley adds another potentially productive bat to the lineup, though his health remains a concern. Meanwhile, moving Encarnacion-Strand back to Triple-A underscores the team’s expectation for immediate contributions and incremental progress ahead of the trade deadline.