Former OSU Standout Christian Encarnacion-Strand Called Up to Big Club by Reds

(Pokes Report Publisher Robert Allen contributed to this story.)

STILLWATER – This is a topic we’ve been talking about on Pokes Report for quite some time. Former Oklahoma State baseball standout Christian Encarnacion-Strand is set to make his Major League debut soon as the Cincinnati Reds have called him up to the big club after the Reds were swept this weekend by the Milwaukee Brewers, while scoring only three runs in the three game series with Milwaukee.

The news was first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided.com.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Encarnacion-Strand slides into a base in spring training.

Encarnacion-Strand was having a whale of a time with the Reds’ AAA team in Louisville as he’s hit .331 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. He also had a 1.042 OPS this season for the Bats. 

It is expected that the Reds will use the former Oklahoma State Cowboys star at first base, some third base, right and left field and also some DH. He is a hitting machine and that is what the Reds need.

In spring training he was leading the Red with 15 hits and hitting .515 when he was sent to the minor league camp. He also had four home runs and 13 RBI in his limited duty with Cincinnati in spring training. 

Oklahoma State Athletics

Encarnacion-Strand as a Cowboy at O’Brate Stadium.

As an Oklahoma State Cowboy coming from Yavapai Community College in Arizona, Encarnacion-Strand hit .361 with 15 home runs and 66 RBI in the 2021 season. He also had 17 doubles and three triples. He walked 20 times and struck out 50. A decent ratio and he had on-base percentage of .442 with a slugging percentage of .661. 

His combined numbers in the minors are batting average of .322 with 56 home runs, 194 RBI, and .386 on-base percentage. 

Encarnacion-Strand is ready to go. In fact, you could say about time.