Fox News Flash top sports headlines for July 17
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
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.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
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.
SHOHEI OHTANI'S CLUTCH HOMER VS YANKEES COMES WITH EPIC BAT FLIP
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Christian Encarnacion-Strand bats 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)
"He’s played well," Reds general manager Nick Krall said "He deserved a shot with Kevin on the injured list. "It was the perfect time to bring him up. "He made adjustments over the last couple of months. He is taking better at bats. With that he’s still shown power. ... He has been able to hit outside of the zone but cutting down his chase rate brought the zone more to him. It allowed him to get better at the Triple A level."
Infielder Kevin Newman was placed on the 10-day injured list with gastritis, a move retroactive to Friday.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Elly De La Cruz #44 and Christian Encarnacion-Strand #33 of the Cincinnati Reds meet before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park on July 17, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The game was Encarnacion-Strands MLB debut. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Cincinnati entered Monday with a four-game losing streak after getting swept in a three-game series at Milwaukee. The Reds were shut out in three straight games before Sunday's 4-3 loss.
Encarnacion-Strand was Minnesota's fourth-round pick in the 2021 amateur draft. He was acquired last August with infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer and left-hander Steve Hajjar for right-hander Tyler Mahle.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.