The Cincinnati Reds are already dealing with injuries early in the 2025 season, with Tyler Stephenson, Austin Hays, and starting pitcher Andrew Abbott sidelined. However, there was a bit of good news on Tuesday when left-hander Andrew Abbott was cleared for a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville.
But the mood turned tense for Reds fans when the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Texas Rangers was revealed, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s name was missing. This follows his early exit from Monday’s game after being hit on the wrist, a concern heightened by his missed 2024 season due to a similar injury that required surgery. Although X-rays were negative, the injury’s nature left fans worried.
With Encarnacion-Strand absent, Jeimer Candelario will start at first base, batting fifth. The top four hitters—TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Gavin Lux—remain in place, but the lineup shift has added to the unease. Santiago Espinal will bat sixth, followed by Jake Fraley, who has moved up to seventh. Blake Dunn will be in left field, and Austin Wynns will catch and bat ninth.
The Reds will also rely on Carson Spiers for Tuesday’s game. Though Spiers could be sent back to Triple-A when Abbott returns, his strong spring performance has fans hopeful that he will contribute to a Reds win at Great American Ball Park.
