Cincinnati Reds Activate Familiar Face, Designate Veteran Catcher for Assignment

The Reds host the Diamondbacks for a three-game series.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand (33) hits a RBI double in the seventh inning of the MLB game between Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds activated infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the injured list on Friday and designated veteran catcher Austin Wynns for assignment.

Encarnacion-Strand hit .318 with nine extra-base hits in 12 minor league rehab games between the ACL Reds and Triple-A Louisville.

Before going on the injured list, the first baseman struggled, slashing .158/.183/.298 in 15 games with the Reds.

Encarnacion-Strand has a bunch of upside and can provide the Reds with power in the lineup that they desperately need.

The Reds host the Diamondbacks in a three-game series starting on Friday at 7:10 ET. Nick Lodolo will start for the Reds.

Wynns hit .400 in 18 games with Cincinnati this year, but the Reds have been carrying three catchers and he hasn't seen much playing time lately.

You can see the full announcement below:

The #Reds today activated from the 10-day injured list IF Christian Encarnacion-Strand and designated for assignment C Austin Wynns. pic.twitter.com/fTa853j3Rc

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 6, 2025

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