Reds call up top prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand amid recent offensive struggles

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Hoping to spark a struggling offense, the slumping Cincinnati Reds promoted another top prospect on Monday and inserted Christian Encarnacion-Strand into the starting lineup against San Francisco for his major league debut.

The 23-year-old infielder flied out to right in his first at-bat, hitting seventh as the designated hitter. According to Major League Baseball, at 27 characters his name is the longest in big league history, five longer than Minnesota pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson. MLB included the hyphen in its count.

Encarnacion-Strand was among four rookies in the Reds starting lineup, joining third baseman Elly De La Cruz, shortstop Matt McLain and pitcher Brandon Williamson.

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Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Christian Encarnacion-Strand attempts to advance to first base before being tagged out during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Monday, July 17, 2023, in Cincinnati. It was Encarnacion-Strands MLB debut. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

"It means a lot," Encarnacion-Strand said. "Now I get to play with a really, really good group of guys. The guys have been always welcoming. The same thing in spring training, the were super, super nice to me. I don’t feel pressure or anxiety to go in there with them."

A native of Walnut Creek, California, Encarnacion-Strand hit .331 with 21 doubles, 20 homers and 62 RBIs with a 1.042 OPS in 67 games this year for Triple-A Louisville. He led the International League with 177 total bases.

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Cincinnati Reds designated hitter