Reds Welcome Back Key Infield Duo as Roster Reshaping Begins

In a significant roster move aimed at revitalizing their future, the Cincinnati Reds have reinstated infielders Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Matt McLain from the 60-day injured list. This decision comes as the Reds look to rebuild after a tumultuous 2024 season marred by injuries, which saw both players sidelined for extended periods.

To accommodate the return of Encarnacion-Strand and McLain, the Reds designated left-hander Brandon Leibrandt and infielder Amed Rosario for assignment. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that these moves were essential due to the players’ ongoing rehab assignments in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). Having reached their maximum rehab time, it was necessary for them to reclaim their spots on the 40-man roster.

The 2024 season was particularly tough for the Reds, with injuries severely impacting their roster. McLain underwent left labrum surgery in March, initially aiming for a return around August. However, a stress reaction in his rib cage during his recovery derailed those plans, forcing him to miss the entire season. Encarnacion-Strand, on the other hand, played in 29 games but struggled significantly, posting a dismal .190/.220/.293 batting line. An unfortunate hit by a pitch in April revealed an old fracture, leading to an IL stint for a right ulnar styloid fracture and subsequent surgery in June. This sidelined him for the rest of the season.

As both players regained their health, the Reds assigned them to the Glendale Desert Dogs in the AFL to get some much-needed reps before the offseason. Their involvement in the AFL was classified as a rehab assignment, which comes with a maximum 20-day limit for position players. With that timeline closing, the Reds had to reinstate them from the 60-day injured list ahead of schedule.

While these roster adjustments may seem like mere technicalities, they hold significant implications for the Reds as they plan for the 2025 season. With the end of the World Series approaching, all players on the 60-day IL must be reinstated soon, creating an urgency for the organization.

Of the players designated for assignment, Amed Rosario was likely on borrowed time with the Reds. After signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays before being traded to the Dodgers, Rosario’s journey led him to Cincinnati via waivers. However, with the postseason out of reach for most teams, it’s unlikely any club will claim him now. As a veteran with over six years of service time, Rosario can reject an outright assignment, making him a free agent sooner than anticipated.

Brandon Leibrandt, set to turn 32 in December, also faced an uncertain future with the Reds. Although he signed a minor league deal in May and was added to the 40-man roster in August, he saw limited action in two major league games, allowing seven earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. His performance in the minors was adequate, with a 4.41 ERA in 17 Triple-A starts, but given his status as a journeyman, the Reds likely viewed him as a temporary fix during their pitching crisis.

As the Reds navigate the final days of the regular season and look ahead to the offseason, the reinstatement of Encarnacion-Strand and McLain could signal a brighter future. With their talent back on the roster, Cincinnati aims to build a competitive team around emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike. Fans will be eager to see how these infielders contribute as the Reds regroup and set their sights on a successful 2025 campaign.