Reds Arizona Fall League Update: Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand Shine in Debut

The Glendale Desert Dogs won 15-13.

Greg Kuffner | Oct 9, 2024

Aug 26, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) hits an RBI groundout against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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Cincinnati Reds

The Reds' Arizona Fall League team opened their season on Tuesday afternoon. Five players from the organization suited up for the Glendale Desert Dogs.

Reds infielder Matt McLain played second base and went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, a walk, and two runs batted in. He also scored three runs.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand was the designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with a double and three runs batted in.

Edwin Arroyo played shortstop and went 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a run scored.

Minor leaguer Tyler Callihan played left field and went 1-3 with two walks, three runs scored, and a stolen base.

Minor league reliever Luis Mey pitched a 1-2-3 scoreless ninth inning and struck out one, picking up the save. He threw seven pitches over 100 mph.

Check out the highlights below:

You’ll never guess….

Matt McLain went deep.

2 XBH in his first live action of 2024, so good to see. #Reds really missed him and need him healthy. pic.twitter.com/Qar7v3GA1e
— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) October 8, 2024

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is 2-for-2 with 3 RBI over his first three plate appearances (SF in the 1st). Looking good in his first game of rehab in the AFL. pic.twitter.com/5W9wnUuHOO
— Geoff Pontes (@GeoffPontesBA) October 8, 2024

Edwin Arroyo with an opposite field double in his first AB of the Fall League #Reds
[🎥 MLB] pic.twitter.com/WrdWZL9SlC
— Gingersaurus Rex (@HeyGingersaurus) October 8, 2024

Here is the issue with starting AZ Fall League games at 2:30 in October: The sun goes down earlier. The #Reds closer prospect, Luis Mey, was pumping 99MPH. Imagine trying to hit 99 with light, shadow, light, shadow, light, shadow, light, shadow. #DesertDogs win 15-13. #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/Zjkv83RWqv
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) October 9, 2024

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