Reds manager Terry Francona said that Encarnacion-Strand (back) hit off a tee Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's the next step in the progression for Encarnacion-Strand, who was given an epidural last week as he works his way back from low-back inflammation. The infielder has several items he still needs to check off the list before a timetable for his return becomes clearer.

Encarnacion-Strand (back) has been doing rotational exercises since receiving an epidural for his back issues and will be evaluated after the weekend to determine whether he'll need another epidural, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

So far there's no indication of a timetable for Encarnacion-Strand's return to action. When he returns, it'll be a little tricky to figure out his playing time following Noelvi Marte's strong performance this week. One possibility is Jeimer Candelario losing more playing time -- Candelario is hitting only .118 and was left out of the starting lineup Saturday.

The Reds placed Encarnacion-Strand on the 10-day injured list Thursday with low-back inflammation.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand had a two-RBI double in Wednesday's loss to the Mariners, but he's been playing through a back issue for a while and the Reds have decided that the best course of action is to rest him for a bit. Jeimer Candelario is likely to handle the bulk of reps at first base while Encarnacion-Strand is out, with Gavin Lux, Santiago Espinal and Noelvi Marte representing the Reds' options at third base.

Encarnacion-Strand went 1-for-4 with a two-run double in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand had gone 0-for-12 over his last three games, but he managed to get the Reds on the board in the seventh inning with a double to left field that brought home Spencer Steer and Gavin Lux. Encarnacion-Strand is working his way back from hamstring and back soreness, which caused him to miss two games earlier in the week. He's begun the season slashing .158/.183/.298 with four runs scored, two home runs and five RBI across 60 plate appearances this season.

Encarnacion-Strand (back/hamstring) will start at first base and bat seventh in Tuesday's game versus the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand missed the last two contests due to back and hamstring soreness, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Tuesday's series opener. The 25-year-old is scuffling in the early going this season with just a .498 OPS over his first 13 games.

Encarnacion-Strand is out of the lineup Sunday against the Pirates, with manager Terry Francona noting that the first baseman is "banged up" due to back and hamstring issues, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand will miss out on a start for the second day in a row due to the pair of injury concerns, both of which he contended with at points during the 2023 season. However, Francona said he expects Encarnacion-Strand to be available off the bench Sunday, so the Reds don't appear to be too concerned about the 25-year-old potentially needing a stint on the shelf.

Encarnacion-Strand is not in the Reds' starting lineup against the Pirates on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand will get a rest day after going 0-for-8 with three strikeouts over his last two games. Noelvi Marte will make his first start of 2025 at third base while Jeimer Candelario shifts to first base.

Encarnacion-Strand went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 11-7 win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand ended a string of 18 at-bats without a hit when he belted a solo homer to lead off the fourth inning. The blast was his second of the season. He's been the Reds' primary first baseman and does not appear to be in danger of losing that role at this time despite a .172 average. That could eventually happen if he continues to struggle, but manager Terry Francona has limited options due to injuries.

Encarnacion-Strand went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand ended the Reds' 35-inning scoreless streak with a run-producing sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. It was the first productive plate appearance in a while for Encarnacion-Strand, who doesn't have a hit over his last 20 plate appearances.

Encarnacion-Strand started at first base and went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Encarnacion-Strand returned to the lineup after missing one game due to a hand injury. After a pair of two-hit games to open the season, he's gone hitless in his nine at-bats.