Prospect Report: Encarnacion-Strand Hits Third Home Run Of Cactus League Play

Image credit: Tink Hence (Mike Janes/Four Seam Images)

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B, Reds: It’s been a loud spring for Encarnacion-Strand, who went 2-for-3 with a home run in the third on Monday. The homer was Encarnacion-Strand’s third of Cactus League play, and he’s 9-for-13 with 10 RBIs over his last five games. 

Tink Hence, RHP, Cardinals: The Cardinals top pitching prospect worked a scoreless eighth, sitting 95-96 mph and touching 97 mph on the radar gun. He struck out two of the four batters he faced and generated two swinging strikes against his curveball. Hence is one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the minors but questions persist around his ability to go deep into games and handle a starter’s workload.

Colton Cowser, OF, Orioles: The Orioles No. 4 prospect connected for his first home run of the spring on Monday, a two-run shot to left-center field. Cowser has displayed his advanced on-base skills so far this spring but had yet to do much damage with the bat. This is likely a sign that Cowser’s beginning to find his rhythm. 

Kyle Manzardo, 1B, Rays: One of the top breakouts of 2022 minor league play, Manzardo connected for his first home run of the spring, a 105.8 mph shot off of a 91 mph Dax Fulton fastball. It’s been a strong spring for Manzardo, who’s 4-for-11 with two walks and a strikeout. While Manzardo is likely another year away from his debut, he’s showing well early in Grapefruit League play. 

Victor Scott, OF, Cardinals: The fifth-rounder out of West Virginia got the start for the Cardinals in center field on Monday. He came to the plate four times, walked twice and hit a 96 mph single off the bat. A standout athlete with plus speed and power upside, Scott is a name to watch this season.