Reds outfielder TJ Friedl is progressing slowly in his recovery from a fractured wrist, disappointing fans who were hoping for a quicker return to action. According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the 28-year-old will require another 7–10 days of light activities before stepping up his rehabilitation efforts. Friedl sustained the injury during spring training last month and has been sidelined since then.
Although no specific timeline was provided for Friedl’s return, it was anticipated that he would have advanced further in his recovery process by now. His absence adds to the challenges facing the Reds, as they are already without infielder Matt McLain, who is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. Additionally, Noelvi Marte is serving an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test.
These setbacks have put pressure on Cincinnati’s depth, particularly in the batting lineup. While some young players like Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer have performed well, others such as Jeimer Candelario and Christian Encarnacion-Strand have struggled. This has resulted in a somewhat inconsistent offense for the Reds, with their performance ranking middle-of-the-pack in both the majors and the NL.
The pitching rotation has also faced scrutiny, despite a respectable starting ERA. The return of left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo provided a boost to the team, as he delivered an impressive performance against the White Sox after being activated from the injured list. Lodolo’s resurgence is promising for the Reds, who are relying on him, along with Frankie Montas and Andrew Abbott, to anchor their rotation.
Looking ahead, the Reds may not receive further reinforcements for some time. Manager David Bell indicated that left-hander Brandon Williamson is not expected to return until late May due to a shoulder strain. Likewise, lefty reliever Alex Young is also on track for a late May return. In their absence, the Reds have leaned on pitchers like Brent Suter and Justin Wilson for left-handed relief.
Although the team faces challenges with injuries and suspensions, the return of key players like Friedl and the continued performance of Lodolo offer hope for the Reds as they navigate the 2024 season.
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