Christian Encarnacion-Strand And Chase Petty Farmed Out

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Dateline: Goodyear, Arizona

The Reds simplified its roster on Monday (030926).

Christian Encarancion-Strand and Chase Petty were optioned to Triple A, Louisville. Catcher Michael Trautwein, a non-roster invitee was reassigned to minor league camp.

Encarnacion-Strand had five hits, including two doubles in 15 at bats. He had problems fielding his third base position. 

"The big thing we talked to him about is, we're really not trying to turn him into an on base machine," Francona said. "If we can get him to swing at pitches over the plate that he can handle, he's so strong. He can go pole to pole. That's the goal."

"I thought he did a really good job of it this spring. I don't think there will be enough at bats. I told him it is way more fun to be in the Major League camp. I get it but for your career, go do your thing. He was good. He's in a really good place. He'll continue to work with the hitting guys. We reminded him that in the minor leagues, you can get away with things our of the zone that you can't up here. So stay on top of that."

Petty pitched two scoreless innings on Sunday against the San Diego Padres. 

"When he gets his breaking ball where he wants it, it is that weapon he needs, said manager Terry Francona after Petty's effort against the Padres. "There's a is a couple that when a ball comes out of his hand. You know its a ball out of his hand, so it is a non competitive pitch. But when he gets on top of it and gets down he's very effective."

Petty pitched four scoreless innings in two Cactus League games, allowing two hits and two walks. He struck out two.

"We reminded him. He got thrown a lot at him last year," Francona said. "He's young. This kind of spiraled at times I think. We said as quickly as it go that way (downhill) it can go the other way. He has a really good arm. He knows when he gets that breaking ball where he wants he can have success. That's really good."

Trautwein, 26, played 27 games between Dayton and Chattanooga last season. He hit .205 with three doubles and three home runs for the season. In Cactus League games he had one hit in seven at bats over six games.

Trautwein was selected in the 13thh round of the 2021 draft out of Northwestern University.