The Cincinnati Reds have not set a specific timeframe for the comeback of center fielder TJ Friedl, who suffered a fractured right wrist during an attempt to make a diving catch in a game held on Saturday in Goodyear, Arizona. Friedl, who solidified his role as the Reds’ primary center fielder last season, fractured the distal radius of his wrist. He mentioned on Sunday that he will undergo reassessment in three to four weeks.
“At the moment, my focus is solely on allowing the bone to heal,” Friedl informed the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I’ll do whatever I can to ensure stability and minimize movement in the hand, allowing the bone to mend naturally.”
Last season, at 28 years old, Friedl predominantly batted in the first or second position in the lineup during his third year in the majors. He boasted a .279 batting average with 18 home runs, 66 RBIs, 47 walks, and successfully stole 27 bases out of 33 attempts.
With Friedl sidelined, Nick Krall, Cincinnati’s president of baseball operations, indicated that playing time in center field could go to Stuart Fairchild, a right-handed hitter, and Will Benson, a left-handed hitter.
The Reds, bolstered by a group of young talents, significantly improved from their 2022 campaign where they secured 62 wins and tied for the last spot in the NL Central. In 2023, they amassed 82 wins and were in contention for a wild-card spot until the final days of the season, ultimately finishing two games behind. They are anticipated to be strong contenders for the division title this season.
