Reds first base options Christian Encarnacion-Strand and starter chase petty This morning. Both players entered camp as distant targets to make the Opening Day roster after struggling with limited appearances in 2025.
Encarnacion-Strand has been Cincinnati’s season-opening first baseman the past two years. He impressed as a rookie in 2023, posting a .270/.328/.477 line over 63 games. He hasn’t achieved that yet. The right-handed hitter limped to .199/.227/.337 and struck out in more than a quarter of his games in 65 games between 2024-25. Encarnacion-Strand’s 2024 campaign was cut short due to a fractured wrist that required surgery. He missed playing time last season with a back injury and spent the second half of the season in Triple-A.
The 26-year-old has had a solid but unexceptional minor league season. He hit .246/.309/.492 with 11 long balls and a 25.1% strikeout rate in 64 games. He appeared in six games this spring, going 5-15 with a double.
The Reds are expected to give away a rookie. sal stewart Starting job at first base, here Eugenio Suarez Should work alongside his primary DH job. Nathaniel Rowe and Michael Toglia Both are in minor league contract camp.
There may be one bench bat role between the non-rostered invitees and the outfielders. Will BensonThis player is included in the 40-man roster. Through his first 24 spring plate appearances, Benson hit three home runs with four walks and strikeouts each. Rowe has two long balls, but is batting .200 in 22 plate appearances. Toglia entered camp with the longest shot of the group and fanned the flames in four of his 11 at-bats.
Petty is a former first-round pick who appeared in his first three major league games last year. He allowed 14 runs in six innings. Petty pitched four scoreless innings this spring, striking out and walking two. He returned to Triple-A Louisville and posted a 6.39 ERA in 112 2/3 innings.
hunter green He is expected to start the season on the injured list after experiencing elbow stiffness last week. Coach Terry Francona made the following announcement yesterday: Andrew Abbott He will take part in his first career Opening Day start in Greene’s place. brady singer and Nick Lodolo Take a seat among the staff.
chase burns and let lowder Looks like he’s the frontrunner for the last two spots. Brandon Williamson It represents the best alternative. Williamson and Lowder both missed all of last season. Lowder hit seven one-run shots in five innings at camp. Williamson struck out six and allowed three hits and two runs over four frames.
