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

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) is working out at the team's complex in Arizona while he ramps up his baseball activities. Manager David Bell said Friedly could start playing in games this weekend as a defensive player only. If he continues to progress, he could start bunting in games this weekend. By the middle of next week, he could be ready to start a minor-league rehab assignment by joining Triple-A Louisville when they visit St. Paul. Bell projected Friedl would need between one and two weeks before being ready to return. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent has yet to make his 2024 debut with the Reds because of the injury. In a career-high 138 games in 2023, he hit .279/.352/.467 with 18 home runs, 66 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 556 plate appearances.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) is taking flips and hitting off a tee. Manager David Bell said on Tuesday that Friedl is "much further ahead" than anticipated in his six-week timetable from a fractured right wrist that he sustained back on March 16, so the center fielder's minor-league rehab assignment sounds like it's imminent. If Friedl continues to progress well, fantasy managers should be able to get him back available sometime in early-to-mid May. After breaking out a year ago, the 28-year-old left-handed hitter should serve as Cincy's everyday center fielder upon his eventual activation from the injured list. Fellow lefty-hitter Will Benson has drawn starts and hit from a favorable spot in the Reds' batting order at times against right-handed pitching this season, but he's barely on the radar in 12-team leagues with a .186/.288/.400 triple-slash line, two home runs, six RBI, and five stolen bases in 70 at-bats (20 games).

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Manager David Bell said the plan is for Friedl to begin his rehab work within the next week or two. The 28-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a fractured wrist in March. The organization is hopeful that Friedl can get back on the field for the Reds around early May. He's coming off a career-best 2023 season. Fantasy managers should hold tight for a little longer as Friedl appears to be making progress.

Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (wrist) underwent an MRI on Thursday and was determined to need another seven-to-ten days of lighter activity before ramping up his rehab process. The hope was that Friedl's injury would be a little more cleared up at this point and the delay is a bit of a setback for the 28-year-old. The lefty had a solid year in 2023, slashing .279/.352/.467, and was looking to catapult a young Reds roster into playoff contention before injuring his wrist a month ago in spring training. Will Benson has taken over center field responsibilities in Friedl's absence, hitting .213 with 2 HR on the short season. Friedl should be expected to take over as the starter once he returns, but without a clear timetable for him to come back fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to keep Benson on their radar.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said on Tuesday that outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) has a check-in MRI this week. Friedl fractured his right wrist on March 16 during a spring training game and was expected to miss six to eight weeks, but he was able to avoid the 60-day injured list to begin the season. The 28-year-old center fielder should be able to rejoin the Reds in early May if all goes well in his recovery, and his progress is something to monitor for those opting not to stash him. Friedl broke out for Cincy last year, slashing a prolific .279/.352/.467 with 18 home runs, 66 RBI, 73 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases across 556 plate appearances. Will Benson is handling the majority of the reps in center for the time being, slashing .209/.277/.512 with eight extra-base hits, four RBI, and two stolen bags over 43 at-bats and carries a decent combination of power and speed for fantasy managers in NL-only and deep mixed leagues.