TJ Friedl Hopes To Swing Off A Tee This Week
TJ Friedl (thumb) is hoping to start swinging off a tee sometime this week. Friedl fractured his left thumb over a week ago but apparently is already getting close to swinging a bat again. It's remarkable progress for the 28-year-old, but the Reds could still choose to slow-play his rehab, and there's no current timetable for a return. When healthy, the former undrafted free agent is a regular in Cincy's lineup against right-handed pitching while batting from the left side. He's been extremely unfortunate with injuries in 2024, already fracturing his thumb and wrist, which has limited him to just 22 at-bats. Friedl has just four hits (no homers) in those 22 at-bats with two RBI and two stolen bases. He hit .279 with 18 homers, 66 RBI and 27 steals in 138 games in 2023, making him stash-worthy in at least deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
TJ Friedl Has Four-Hit Game
TJ Friedl was unstoppable at the plate during Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The O's pitchers had no answers as Friedl went 4-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a walk, and a steal in the loss. Friedl has been red-hot with eight hits over his last three games. He hasn't been a great fantasy option this season, but Friedl is now batting over .300 on the year. Fantasy managers seeking some production on offense might want to consider Friedl while he's on his hot streak. It's worth noting that Friedl has favorable matchups coming up against the Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies.
Source: mlb.com
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Source: mlb.com
TJ Friedl Scores Twice Versus Pirates
TJ Friedl went 1-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and one RBI in Sunday's 4-0 home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 29-year-old is up to a .254 average now (15-for-59), with two doubles, one home run, six RBI and 11 runs scored. Friedl was limited to 85 games in 2024 after thumb, wrist, and hamstring injuries forced him to the IL on three separate occasions. He's been better so far this season, and statcast thinks he's underperforming. The California native has already swiped two bags -- seven off his total of nine last year -- and holds a .273 xBA. Perhaps more encouraging, Friedl's strikeout rate has dropped for the second straight season to 13.8%, presenting as a career-low if it holds.
Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Source: ESPN
TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley Sitting Against Southpaw
TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley are not in the starting lineup on Sunday as the Reds will face San Francisco southpaw Robbie Ray. Friedl has started in each of the first two games of the series in center field. Serving as the leadoff man, he went 2-for-9 at the plate with an RBI. As a result, Blake Dunn will cover center field, but Matt McLain will move up to the top of the order. Fraley has also started in each of the first two contests but did not tally a hit. He will be replaced by Santiago Espinal in right field, and he will bat second. Fantasy managers should expect both Fraley and Friedl to return to the starting nine on Monday when they face Texas right-hander Kumar Rocker. Espinal and Dunn are best to fade in DFS this afternoon, facing Ray.
Source: MLB.com
Cincinnati Reds outfielders Source: MLB.com
TJ Friedl Hits A Home Run In Four-Hit Performance
TJ Friedl was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate in Saturday's 12-1 win over the Twins. The 29-year-old homered for the second straight game and has now gone 7-for-8 against Twins pitchers the last two days, tallying five RBI and four runs scored in the process. Now the author of a .233-13-53-34-9 line through 74 games played, one wonders what that line could have looked like had he been able to stay healthy all season long. With his strong contact rate and low strikeout rate, he could still finish the season with a flurry of production.
Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Source: ESPN
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