The Baltimore Orioles acquired infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations on Monday.
Baltimore optioned Encarnacion-Strand to Triple-A Norfolk as it made some infield adjustments. The Orioles placed first baseman Ryan Mountcastle on the 60-day injured list after he fractured his left foot and recalled utilityman Weston Wilson from Triple-A.
The O’s also transferred right-hander Yaramil Hiraldo (right shoulder inflammation) to the 60-day IL to make room for Encarnacion-Strand on the 40-man roster. Encarnacion-Strand was optioned to Norfolk.
The trade comes five days after the Reds designated Encarnacion-Strand for assignment.
Encarnacion-Strand, 26, appeared in 128 games for the Reds across three seasons (2023-25). He was on the 40-man roster to start the season but was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, where he batted .222 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 10 games.
Since breaking into the major leagues in July 2023, Encarnacion-Strand primarily played first base for Cincinnati (86 starts) but also made 13 starts at third base and handled right field for part of one game.
He has a career batting average of .233, with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Mountcastle, 29, suffered a broken bone in his foot when stumbling while running the bases Saturday. The veteran was batting .286 with one RBI in eight games.
Wilson, 31, is set to make his Orioles debut after appearing in 100 games for the Philadelphia Phillies since 2023, batting .242 with nine homers and 29 RBIs.
