Cincinnati Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand is set to undergo surgery to repair ligaments in his right wrist, as announced by manager David Bell on Tuesday. Encarnacion-Strand has been out of action since early May due to a fractured bone in his wrist, and the surgery is scheduled for July 11 with an expected recovery period of three months.
Bell did not confirm whether Encarnacion-Strand would be able to return this season. Given the recovery timeline, it seems unlikely that he will play again during the regular season.
Encarnacion-Strand’s injury occurred on April 27 when he was hit by a pitch on the wrist. After missing four games, he returned to play in another four games before being placed on the injured list again. This season, Encarnacion-Strand is batting .190 with two home runs and 35 strikeouts in 29 games.
In related news, the Reds have placed left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list due to a blister, further impacting the team’s roster. The Reds, with a record of 37-41, are currently 8½ games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
Encarnacion-Strand’s absence is a significant loss for the Reds, who are trying to stay competitive in the division. His return to form and contribution was expected to bolster the team’s performance. However, with his surgery and recovery timeline, the team will have to find ways to adapt and cover his absence.
The Reds have faced a challenging season with various injuries impacting key players. Despite these setbacks, the team remains focused on improving their standing and making a push in the latter part of the season. The recovery of Encarnacion-Strand will be closely monitored, and his progress will be crucial for the team’s plans moving forward.
Manager David Bell and the Reds’ medical staff will ensure that Encarnacion-Strand receives the best possible care and support during his recovery. While the team adapts to his absence, they remain hopeful for a strong finish to the season. Encarnacion-Strand’s potential return for postseason play, should the Reds make it, will be a topic of interest as the recovery process unfolds.
For now, the focus for the Reds will be on managing without Encarnacion-Strand and making strategic moves to keep their playoff hopes alive. The team’s resilience will be tested, but they aim to overcome these challenges and continue their pursuit of success in the NL Central.
