TJ Friedl DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder 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.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder 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.

Cincinnati Reds outfielders 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.