Spencer Steer is set to return to the Cincinnati Reds' infield, bringing much-needed reinforcements to a struggling defense that has already committed 14 errors this season. After a seven-week rehabilitation following a shoulder injury, Steer, who has been serving as the designated hitter thus far, is expected to debut at first base this weekend. His return coincides with Christian Encarnacion-Strand's stint on the injured list due to lower back inflammation, making Steer's presence even more critical.

The Reds have shown some defensive improvement this season, ranking among the top three teams in various metrics. However, their last outing raised concerns after committing four errors in a single game, leading to six unearned runs. Bench coach Freddie Benavides expressed optimism that Steer's return will significantly benefit a team that already has been plagued by defensive lapses, especially with the absence of Encarnacion-Strand.

On April 11, 2025, Aaron Judge is poised for a strong home run outing against the San Francisco Giants, having homered in four of six career games against them. He faces Robbie Ray, a fly-ball pitcher, making this matchup enticing. Pete Alonso also looks promising, especially with his ability to barrel up balls at an exceptional rate in the hitter-friendly Sacramento ballpark. Brandon Lowe's power potential shines in Tampa's new environment, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand is predicted to have a breakout game against Bailey Falter of the Pirates. Triston Casas, although struggling, has a chance to capitalize on a favorable matchup against Davis Martin of the White Sox.

Week 2 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is an opportunity for proactive managers to strengthen their rosters with high-upside hitters. Players like Ivan Herrera and Lars Nootbaar have already made significant impacts, and this trend continues with several other streamers recommended for the upcoming week. The Red Sox, Royals, Twins, and Blue Jays have favorable schedules with seven games each, making players from these teams prime targets for waiver wire adds.

Among the recommended hitters, Spencer Torkelson is highlighted for his breakout potential as he currently boasts a 30-HR upside. Other notable streamers include Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who may struggle with average but possesses elite power, and Trevor Story, who has shown flashes of his dual-threat capability. Meanwhile, young talents like Jung Hoo Lee and Nolan Schanuel, along with emerging names like Jacob Wilson, add depth to the fantasy landscape. This week is crucial for optimizing lineups and capitalizing on favorable matchups.

During a dominant performance, the Cincinnati Reds trounced the Texas Rangers 14-3. However, a moment of concern arose when first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand was struck on the hand by a pitch in the sixth inning, leading to his exit from the game. Thankfully, X-rays revealed no fractures. Encarnacion-Strand had a rough season last year, limited to just 29 games due to a wrist injury from a similar incident. This season, he has made a solid start with a .286 batting average and one home run.