TJ Friedl's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Cincinnati Reds activated outfielder TJ Friedl (thumb) from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday and designated infielder Mike Ford for assignment in a corresponding move. Friedl recovered very quickly from a left-thumb fracture and is immediately back in center field and is batting leadoff for the Reds on Wednesday against the visiting division-rival St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Andre Pallante. In nine career at-bats against Pallante, Friedl is hitting just .111. The 28-year-old left-handed swinger is also slashing just .182/.250/.227 with no home runs, two RBI and two stolen bases in only 22 at-bats in 2024 due to multiple unfortunate injuries he's already suffered this year. Friedl proved last year he has 20-20 ability over a full season, so he's worth rostering in most fantasy leagues now that he's back. His return is bad news for Stuart Fairchild.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (thumb) took live batting practice before Tuesday's matchup against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. After taking swings against a high-velocity pitching machine on Monday, Friedl was also scheduled to run the bases and do some throwing on Tuesday. Manager David Bell has previously noted that Friedl could be reinstated from the injured list as soon as Wednesday's series finale against the Cardinals, and the outfielder looks to be making good progress from a fractured left thumb. It's been a stop-start season for the 28-year-old left-handed hitter, who missed a large chunk of time to begin the campaign due to injury and has gone just 4-for-22 (.182) with two RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases when healthy in six outings, but Friedl's power/speed potential with the ability to hit for average atop Cincinnati's lineup at a hitter-friendly ballpark offers him plenty of upside as a fantasy stash.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that outfielder TJ Friedl (thumb) could return from the injured list as soon as later this week or early next week. Friedl has had pretty awful injury luck this year after also missing time with a fractured right wrist. But the 28-year-old has recovered very quickly from his thumb injury and should be back with the big-league club in short order. If he's going to return to Cincinnati this weekend, it will mean that he'll forego a minor-league rehab assignment. When healthy and on the major-league roster, Friedl should see regular playing time against right-handed pitchers, which is bad news for both Jake Fraley and Will Benson. Friedl has gone just 4-for-22 (.182) in six games this year but has plenty of fantasy value after hitting 18 homers, driving in 66 and stealing 27 bases in 2023.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (thumb) is back to hitting flips and continues to progress. He's working toward getting back to taking batting practice soon. Friedl suffered a fractured left thumb 11 days ago but is already swinging a bat and is progressing nicely. If the 28-year-old doesn't suffer a setback with his thumb once he starts to take batting practice, he should be sent on a minor-league rehab assignment shortly after that. Surprisingly, Friedl is on track to return from the 10-day injured list when he's eligible early next month. When healthy, Friedl should be a lineup regular, at least against right-handed pitching, after hitting 18 home runs, driving in 66 and stealing 27 bases in a breakout 2023 campaign. He's been unlucky with injuries so far in 2024, though, and is currently hitting .182 (4-for-22) with no homers, two RBI and two steals.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder 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.