The Cincinnati Reds lineup has been carried by two players and one position group so far this year. Elly De La Cruz, TJ Friedl, and Reds catchers have put the lineup on their back, for the most part, so far this year. Of those three, the catchers have been the best.

Encarnacion-Strand was activated Friday off the injured list, the Reds announced Friday. Encarnacion-Strand had been on the IL since April 17 (back inflammation). "CES" batted .324 with a 1.095 OPS in his 10-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville. His hot hitting at that level included two home runs, five doubles and seven RBIs.