Reds outfielder TJ Friedl left right this moment’s recreation resulting from soreness in his facet and will likely be present process an MRI, studies Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Up to now, it’s unclear if Friedly is going through any kind of critical problem, with the imaging positive to offer extra readability. But when he did find yourself having to overlook a while, it might be a disappointing improvement with Friedl being one of many vivid spots on a rebuilding Reds membership this yr.
The 27-year-old has taken 138 journeys to the plate in 2023 and is hitting .306/.351/.468 in that point for a wRC+ of 115, indicating he’s been 15% higher than the league common hitter. He gained’t be capable of preserve a .376 batting common on balls in play for the complete season however he’s lengthy had robust bat-to-ball abilities. His 21% strikeout price up to now this yr can be increased than any of his earlier stops in his profession, majors or minors, however continues to be a bit under the 22.7% league common for main leaguers in 2023.
Friedl was given adverse grades for his protection in his first couple of seasons however has seemingly made some strides right here in 2023. He has a +4 from Defensive Runs Saved, +1 Outs Above Common and a grade of 1.9 from Final Zone Score. He additionally has 4 stolen bases and his dash pace is taken into account by Statcast to be within the eighty fifth percentile. When mixed along with his stable work on the plate, he’s produced 1.3 wins above substitute already this yr within the eyes of FanGraphs, sufficient to provide him the workforce lead.
If Friedl had been to require a stint on the injured record, the membership must provide you with a plan for middle area. Friedl had been sharing the place with Nick Senzel, however the latter has been enjoying extra third base of late, kicking Spencer Steer over to first. Maybe they might transfer Steer again over to the new nook and Senzel to middle, however they could additionally look to different choices if they’re proud of how issues have been going of late. Jose Barrero has been primarily a shortstop, splitting that spot with Kevin Newman, but additionally has a handful of begins in middle and will maybe get some extra time there.
The Reds will probably be hoping they don’t have to contemplate such contingency plans with the perfect final result being that Friedl’s MRI doesn’t discover something regarding. He got here into this season with lower than a yr of service time and may very well be a long-term a part of the membership’s roster if he continues to have stable outcomes as an all-around contributor.