Encarnacion-Strand was activated Friday off the injured list, the Reds announced Friday. Encarnacion-Strand had been on the IL since April 17 (back inflammation). "CES" batted .324 with a 1.095 OPS in his 10-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. His hot hitting at that level included two home runs, five doubles and seven RBIs.

Earlier this week we posited the question - should the Cincinnati Reds activate Christian Encarnacion-Strand when he’s healthy and done rehabbing, or should they option him to AAA to continue to shake off the rust he’d shown across the last two frustrating big league campaigns?

The Cincinnati Reds reinstated first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the injured list Friday and designated catcher Austin Wynns for assignment.