Christian Encarnacion-Strand, known for his raw power, has been sent down to Triple-A Louisville by the Cincinnati Reds to make room for Jake Fraley's return from the injured list. Despite a promising rookie season, CES has struggled to replicate that success, dealing with injuries, including a wrist fracture earlier this year. His performance at Triple-A has been stellar with a 1.048 OPS, promising that he could return to the majors stronger. The Reds' decision showcases their commitment to a balanced roster, valuing Fraley's versatility in the outfield even over Encarnacion-Strand's power hitting.

This move emphasizes the unpredictability of roster management in baseball and the constant battle between performance and positional needs.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand broke out of a recent slump with a powerful performance that included his first career grand slam, leading the Cincinnati Reds to an 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox. After a tough stretch where he batted just .157 with a meager .363 OPS, his pivotal seventh-inning home run shifted the momentum of the game and solidified the Reds' status as the only MLB team yet to be swept in a series this season.

Manager Terry Francona had previously attempted to spur Encarnacion-Strand by kissing his bat for luck, a gesture he humorously reconsidered after the downturn in performance that followed. The Reds, facing potential sweep after a loss earlier in the day, relied on Encarnacion-Strand's timely hitting and solid pitching from Nick Martinez, who secured the win while navigating through a challenging outing. The victory not only lifted team spirits but also highlighted the resilience of the Reds as they head into a series against Philadelphia.

In Week 11 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy managers need to strategically enhance their rosters due to injuries and underperformance. This week's waiver wire focuses on hitters who can boost key statistical categories like home runs (HR), runs batted in (RBI), stolen bases (SB), runs scored (R), and batting average (AVG).

Notable additions include Willi Castro, who has regained form with the Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers' Parker Meadows, who is making a strong impact at the top of the batting order. The Boston Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer is proving to be a solid prospect with promising power numbers.

For power-hungry fantasy owners, Christian Encarnacion-Strand of the Cincinnati Reds is a must-add, while Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels is showing signs of a breakout with multiple home runs recently. Additionally, players like Jesus Sanchez from the Miami Marlins and Otto Lopez are putting up solid counting stats.

Eury Pérez is making a much-anticipated return to the mound after a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. His promising rookie season saw him post a 3.15 ERA with a stellar 10.6 K/9 ratio, making him a hot commodity in fantasy drafts prior to his injury. Despite a year and a half away from competitive play, he's already rostered in 83% of CBS Sports leagues, a testament to his perceived potential. However, not all players returning from injury enjoy a similar hype; some fade from the fantasy landscape.

Recent returnees like Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Ronny Mauricio, and Lance McCullers are changing that narrative. Encarnacion-Strand has remarkably rebounded after a dismal start, hitting three home runs in his first three games following a stint on the injured list, while Mauricio showcases his power-speed potential. In contrast, McCullers is grappling with reduced velocity, yet his recent performances suggest he could still contribute significantly in the right matchups. Fantasy players should keep a close eye on these players as they navigate their comeback journeys.

This week's fantasy baseball advice highlights players on hot streaks worth considering for your roster leading into Week 11 of the 2025 season. Michael Busch of the Chicago Cubs stands out with a .276 batting average, 10 home runs, and an impressive nine-game hitting streak, making him a must-add in most leagues. Despite facing left-handed pitchers less frequently, Busch’s power potential makes him a prime buy.

On the pitching side, David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates has rebounded from early struggles, securing two saves in a week without allowing a run in his last seven appearances. However, while he's showing promise, his poor underlying metrics suggest he's best suited for deeper leagues. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, recently activated by the Cincinnati Reds, hit three home runs in his first weekend back, captivating power-hungry fantasy managers. Meanwhile, Atlanta's Bryce Elder has showcased All-Star potential with a recent dominating performance, yet issues with strikeouts keep him as a streaming option.

Lastly, Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels is demonstrating a hot bat with four homers recently, yet his overall inconsistency suggests selling high while his value is elevated. As the fantasy season heats up, these players are worth monitoring closely.