Reds Shake Up Roster, Place Trevino on IL and DFA Encarnacion-Strand

Cincinnati makes a series of moves, including adding veteran catcher PJ Higgins to the roster.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:34pm

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The Cincinnati Reds made several notable roster moves on Wednesday, including placing catcher Jose Trevino on the 10-day injured list with a thoracic spine strain. To fill Trevino's spot, the team selected the contract of veteran catcher PJ Higgins from the minors. Additionally, the Reds designated first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand for assignment, likely signaling the end of his time with the organization.

Why it matters

The Reds' moves highlight the team's depth issues at catcher and first base, as well as the ongoing roster crunch facing the organization. Trevino's injury leaves Tyler Stephenson as the lone established catcher, prompting the addition of Higgins. Meanwhile, Encarnacion-Strand's DFA suggests he has fallen down the depth chart at both first base and third base, despite his promising offensive potential.

The details

With Trevino sidelined, the Reds selected the contract of 32-year-old catcher PJ Higgins from the minors. Higgins, a former 12th-round draft pick by the Cubs, has 254 career MLB plate appearances, hitting .229/.310/.383 with 6 home runs in 2022. To make room for Higgins on the 40-man roster, the Reds designated Encarnacion-Strand for assignment. Encarnacion-Strand, once the team's Opening Day first baseman, has struggled over the past two seasons, hitting just .199/.227/.337 in 260 plate appearances. He's fallen behind several other players on the Reds' depth chart at both first base and third base.

  • On Wednesday, the Reds placed catcher Jose Trevino on the 10-day injured list with a thoracic spine strain.
  • To fill Trevino's roster spot, the Reds selected the contract of catcher PJ Higgins from the minors on Wednesday.

The players

Jose Trevino

The Reds' starting catcher, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a thoracic spine strain.

PJ Higgins

A 32-year-old catcher who was selected from the minors to fill Trevino's roster spot. Higgins has 254 career MLB plate appearances and hit .229/.310/.383 with 6 home runs in 2022.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand

A first baseman who was designated for assignment by the Reds. Encarnacion-Strand hit .270/.328/.477 with 13 home runs in 63 games with the Reds in 2023, but has struggled over the past two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Though he's got experience at 3B, he's behind Ke'Bryan Hayes, Geno, Sal, and likely even Steer on that depth chart, too. As right-handed bench bat depth goes, Rece Hinds has rocketed past him and Blake Dunn offers much more all-around game. And if you look at the 1B position for a longer-term than just 2026, Cam Collier is knocking on the AAA door.”

— Wick Terrell, Author

What’s next

The Reds will need to determine if Trevino's injury will require an extended absence, which could impact their plans at catcher. Additionally, Encarnacion-Strand will likely be claimed off waivers by another team looking to provide him with a clearer path to playing time.

The takeaway

The Reds' roster moves highlight the team's depth issues, particularly at catcher and first base, as they continue to navigate a crowded depth chart and search for the right mix of players to support their core. The DFA of Encarnacion-Strand, once a promising young hitter, underscores the difficult decisions teams must make when balancing short-term needs and long-term roster construction.