Encarnacion was inconsistent at times and wasn't as strong with runners on base like the past two years. But he still established a new career-high in home runs and games played, providing him with momentum going into his age-26 season.

Encarnacion, batting .251 in 143 games after he was 0-for-4 in Thursday's 8-6 loss, will have his lowest batting average since his 2005 rookie season, when he batted .232. And while he has a career-high 25 home runs, he has only 65 RBIs. "It's about that time in his career where everybody has a book on you," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "That's the toughest time I think for a lot of guys -- the fourth or fifth year. This is when you make an adjustment, and you skyrocket again. There's a lot in there. It just hasn't come out yet."

Edwin Encarnacion returned to action on Monday September 22.

News: Edwin Encarnacion started Monday after missing the past five games with a sore left wrist Sunday. "I like that, I like players who want to play and aren't ready to shut it down at the end of the season," manager Dusty Baker said.

Analysis: Encarnacion was hot before the injury and looks safe to use in deeper formats -- mostly NL-only leagues -- in the final Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 22-28) at this point. He is a sleeper for spring 2009 as a candidate to hit 30 homers

The Associated Press reports Cincinnati Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion (wrist) played Monday, Sept. 22, after missing the last five games with a sore left wrist.

Edwin Encarnacion, who is recovering from a sore left wrist, took batting practice Sunday and is hoping to return to the lineup before the end of the season, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.Encarnacion was hitting well prior to getting hurt, but may not get enough at-bats in the final week to make an impact.

News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: 3B Edwin Encarnacion (sore left wrist) missed his fifth consecutive game, but he took batting practice and plans to play Monday against the Marlins. "I like that, I like players who want to play and aren't ready to shut it down at the end of the season," manager Dusty Baker said.

Analysis: Encarnacion was hot before the injury and looks safe to use in deeper formats -- mostly NL-only leagues -- in the final Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 22-28) at this point. He is a sleeper for spring 2009 as a candidate to hit 30 homers

Edwin Encarnacion (wrist) took batting practice Sunday and said afterward that he hopes to play again this season. Encarnacion has been sidelined since Tuesday with a sore left wrist.Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

News: Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion missed his fifth consecutive game with a sore wrist Sunday against the Brewers.

Analysis: Encarnacion is a real risky option for the final Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 22-28) at this point. Use him only out of desperation. You cannot be sure he will get enough at-bats, much less any in the season's final days

News: Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion missed his fourth straight game with a sore wrist Saturday against the Brewers.

Analysis: Encarnacion is one of the streakiest players in baseball, but his power makes him worth starting in most leagues when he's hitting well and healthy. He looks like a risky start for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 22-28), though

News: Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion missed his third straight game with a sore wrist Friday against the Brewers.

Analysis: Encarnacion is one of the streakiest players in baseball, but his power makes him worth starting in most leagues when he's hitting well and healthy. He looks like a risky start for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 22-28), though

Due to a sprained left wrist, Edwin Encarnacion is unable to swing a bat according to MLB.com.His return status remains day-to-day but he is likely to miss the weekend series with Milwaukee. In 480 at bats this season he is hitting just .256.

Manager Dusty Baker remains hopeful that Encarnacion's sprained left wrist could heal sufficiently to allow the third baseman to return before the end of the regular season. "The wrist doesn't heal easily," Baker said. "If he can play, play. There are some things he wants to accomplish." Encarnacion is batting .256 with 25 homers and 65 RBIs on the year.

Edwin Encarnacion is out of Friday's lineup and unable to swing a bat because of a sprained left wrist. "I'll have to wait a couple of more days," Encarnacion said. "I'm still feeling some pain a little bit. We'll see what happens (Saturday)." Adam Rosales is starting in his place tonight.Source: Reds.mlb.com

Mark Sheldon, of MLB.com, reports Cincinnati Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion (wrist) is day-to-day with a sore left wrist, according to manager Dusty Baker.

Reds.MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports Cincinnati Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion (wrist) was not in the lineup again Thursday, Sept. 18.

News: Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion was scratched from Cincinnati's original starting lineup Wednesday against the Cardinals with a sore wrist and could not return for Thursday's game.

Analysis: Encarnacion is one of the streakiest players in baseball, but his power makes him worth starting in most leagues when he's hitting well and healthy. He should be fine but still track his progress through the weekend before considering starting him in Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 22-28)