Orioles call up Encarnacion-Strand to help fill void at third base
Updated: 9:50 AM EDT Jul 17, 2026
With Blaze Alexander officially placed on the injured list, the Orioles will turn to infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand to help at third base. The 26-year-old is a third baseman by trade but can also play at first and should offer the Orioles another option at third base along with Coby Mayo. Encarnacion-Strand was a former Cincinnati Reds prospect who made his major league debut in 2023. He has only played in 128 games over three seasons in the majors and was traded to the Orioles back in April.He has been solid for the Norfolk Tides this season, batting .273 with 17 home runs while leading the team with 48 runs batted in. He had a great debut in 2023 with the Reds with 13 home runs in 63 games while batting .270, but has not been able to match that performance since. He was once the No. 7 ranked prospect for the Reds and has a strong throwing arm at third.The Orioles will use him in a platoon with Mayo, splitting time between left and right-handed pitching. His .252 career average against right-handers is much better than Mayo’s .167 average. They will miss Alexander’ speed, defensive ability, and most importantly his hot batt, as he was leading the team in hitting this season.If Encarnacion-Strand can continue his strong play from Triple-A this season, then he could be a blessing in disguise and help limit the damage the loss of Alexander created.
BALTIMORE —
With Blaze Alexander officially placed on the injured list, the Orioles will turn to infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand to help at third base.
The 26-year-old is a third baseman by trade but can also play at first and should offer the Orioles another option at third base along with Coby Mayo. Encarnacion-Strand was a former Cincinnati Reds prospect who made his major league debut in 2023. He has only played in 128 games over three seasons in the majors and was traded to the Orioles back in April.
He has been solid for the Norfolk Tides this season, batting .273 with 17 home runs while leading the team with 48 runs batted in. He had a great debut in 2023 with the Reds with 13 home runs in 63 games while batting .270, but has not been able to match that performance since. He was once the No. 7 ranked prospect for the Reds and has a strong throwing arm at third.
The Orioles will use him in a platoon with Mayo, splitting time between left and right-handed pitching. His .252 career average against right-handers is much better than Mayo’s .167 average. They will miss Alexander’ speed, defensive ability, and most importantly his hot batt, as he was leading the team in hitting this season.
If Encarnacion-Strand can continue his strong play from Triple-A this season, then he could be a blessing in disguise and help limit the damage the loss of Alexander created.
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