Reds Reliever Suddenly on Roster Bubble After Spring Training Struggles

Nathaniel Lowe's fifth inning homer against the Dodgers on March 5 might be the most meaningful anyone in the Reds organization hits all season.

The Cincinnati Reds face the Cleveland Guardians in this MLB Cactus League Spring Training matchup on Saturday.

Usually around the sixth or seventh inning of spring training games, the regulars are out of the game, opening the door for prospects to get in and show what they can do. On Sunday, that is exactly what happened for two of Cincinnati's top five prospects.

Encarnacion-Strand hit .206 with six home runs (.610 OPS) in 36 games with the Reds in 2025. Injury interfered with his playing time, and he ended up playing 62 games at Triple-A Louisville. There, he hit .245 with 20 double and 11 home runs for an .803 OPS.

Here's the first roster projection for the Cincinnati Reds as spring training starts.

Cincinnati Reds Trim Spring Training Roster Again as Opening Day Decisions Near

Following the latest round of Reds Spring Training cuts, there are 42 players left in camp, with no shockers among the transactions to this point. There have been only a few roles up for grabs, but no

The Cincinnati Reds (0-1) opened 2026 Cactus League play with a 4-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians (1-0) Feb. 21 at Goodyear Ballpark.