Cincinnati Reds activate TJ Friedl (hamstring) from IL, put Jake Fraley (wrist) on shelf.
ST. LOUIS — The Cincinnati Reds got back this season’s top hitter when outfielder TJ Friedl was activated from the injured list, as expected, for Saturday’s game against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
But they also lost a productive outfielder for a week when Jake Fraley — who was hit on the hand by a pitch Tuesday — went on the IL for the bruised wrist, retroactive to Thursday, the day after he came off the bench to pinch run.
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Friedl has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring strain in Boston May 30, his season average at .326 (which would lead the National League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify).
Friedl was back in the leadoff spot Saturday on Day 1 after returning from the often tricky hamstring injury -- same as earlier this season when he also only needed only the minimum 10 days for a similarly sensitive oblique injury.
"I don't think many players could come back that quickly from an oblique and hamstring," manager David Bell said. "They were both very mild but still the kind of injuries you've got to be cautious with. He just worked really diligent and worked hard.
"He's ready. He passed every test."
The Reds brought back reliever Kevin Herget just five days after he was sent to Triple-A Louisville to make room for the promotion of starter Andrew Abbott. Herget was eligible for the quick return as an injury replacement on the roster for Fraley.
The Reds optioned right-hander Joel Kuhnel to Louisville in the corresponding move for Friedl.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds get top hitter back with TJ Friedl's return from IL
