Stuart Fairchild's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Stuart Fairchild is out of the lineup on Saturday. Fairchild, though not a platoon matchup, has not fared well against right-handers this season and has been much better against lefties. With Walker Buehler starting for the Dodgers today the Reds are finding it best to find a matchup against a left-handed reliever later in the game. Fairchild hit a solo shot off left-hander James Paxton on Friday, so there's no reason to worry about Fairchild's overall health and instead this is just a matchup play. Will Benson will man center field for the Reds on Saturday. Expect Fairchild back in the lineup soon, though he's not scheduled to face another left-handed starter until June 2nd when he faces Cubs starter Justin Steele.

With Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) set to open the 2024 season on the injured list with a fractured right wrist, Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild could see additional playing time to start the season, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Manager David Bell said, "It's all going to work out. I'm focused on the guys we have here." The 25-year-old Benson had a successful 2023 season in limited playing time but is batting just .200 in 25 spring at-bats. Fairchild has yet to stick in a big-league role but is hitting .360 with three home runs in 25 spring at-bats. From a fantasy perspective, Benson's potential to provide power and speed seems to give him the edge over Fairchild in deeper leagues. However, fantasy managers should watch for further news as the regular season approaches.