The Orioles have acquired first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Reds, in keeping with bulletins from each golf equipment. Cincinnati, who designated him for project final week, will get money concerns in return. Baltimore optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. To open a 40-man spot for him, the Orioles transferred proper-hander Yaramil Hiraldo to the 60-day injured listing. The O’s additionally chosen Weston Wilson and put Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day injured listing, strikes that had been beforehand coated in this post.
Encarnacion-Strand, 26, put up huge numbers on his method up the minor league ladder and had an thrilling huge league debut a number of years in the past. The Reds, who acquired him from the Twins within the 2022 Tyler Mahle commerce, referred to as him up in July of 2023. In his first 63 video games, he hit 13 house runs and slashed .270/.328/.477 for a 113 wRC+. That was buoyed by a .336 batting common on balls in play however was encouraging nonetheless.
It was hoped that he could possibly be an extended-time period staple of the lineup in Cincinnati however that didn’t come to go. He struggled early in 2024 and underwent season-ending wrist surgical procedure in June. He was again on the sphere in 2025 however struggled badly and bought optioned to the minors. His efficiency on the farm was respectable however not overwhelming.
Over the previous two years, Encarnacion-Strand bought pushed down the depth chart. He has primarily been a primary baseman, with a good period of time at third as effectively. The Reds bought Ke’Bryan Hayes finally yr’s deadline to cowl the recent nook and Sal Stewart has taken over on the different nook.
Encarnacion-Strand clearly has energy however his inventory is down. Over the previous two years, he has a mixed line of .199/.227/.337 within the majors. In Triple-A final yr, he hit 11 house runs in 62 video games however his 6.7% stroll charge and 24.6% strikeout charge had been each worse than common. His .245/.310/.493 line translated to a 107 wRC+, above common offense on the entire however not overpowering, particularly for a man whose important place is first base.
That bought him squeezed off the roster in Cincinnati however Baltimore will take a shot on him. He nonetheless has choices, so he will be saved within the minors for the foreseeable future. Not so way back, the O’s didn’t have a lot want for extra first base depth. They have Pete Alonso in there and in addition had Ryan Mountcastle on the roster. The designated hitter spot was typically getting used for Samuel Basallo, who was sharing catching duties with Adley Rutschman.
Suddenly, the trail is clearer. Rutschman, Mountcastle and Tyler O’Neill all hit the IL prior to now few days. That subtracts some depth on the offensive facet and in addition means Basallo is catching extra frequently, liberating up some at-bats within the DH spot. If one other harm pops up, maybe Encarnacion-Strand can be recalled. For now, he must be slated for normal at-bats with Norfolk.
As for Hiraldo, he hit the 15-day IL simply over every week in the past resulting from irritation in his throwing shoulder. His present standing is unknown however this transfer makes him ineligible to return till early June, so the O’s evidently don’t anticipate him again earlier than then.
Photo courtesy of Paul Rutherford, Imagn Images
