The Cincinnati Reds face a double dose of concerning roster news as they navigate the early season. Catcher Jose Trevino has returned to Cincinnati for an MRI on his ailing back, an issue that has lingered since spring training and now requires a stint on the 10-day injured list.

Manager Terry Francona described the situation, noting Trevino has struggled to find lasting relief. "He said it felt like he calmed it down, and it’s just been getting to the point where he catches and he goes right back to where he was," Francona said. The hope is that treatment will allow Trevino to return after the minimum absence, with his first eligible date being April 15.

Trevino's toughness was on full display in his last game on April 4, where he made a spectacular defensive play to throw out a runner at first despite not feeling well. "It was even more impressive, given the fact that he wasn’t feeling very good," Francona added. "He’s a tough kid."

To fill the immediate void, the Reds called up versatile catcher P.J. Higgins from Triple-A Louisville. However, this roster shuffle came at a significant cost. To create a spot on the 40-man roster for Higgins, the team designated for assignment once-touted slugger Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

This move likely signals the end of Encarnacion-Strand's tenure with the organization, as he is expected to be claimed off waivers by another team in the coming days. Francona acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision, stating, "Those are the things that happen when you have injuries. I don’t think anybody was thrilled about it."

For a Reds team looking to build momentum, losing a key defensive anchor in Trevino and a potential power bat in Encarnacion-Strand represents a challenging start, testing their depth as they continue their series in Miami.