How fast can speedy TJ Friedl return to Cincinnati Reds now that rehab games have started?
The Cincinnati Reds finally had a bench for the first time in nearly a week when they opened a weekend series against the American League’s top team Friday night at Great American Ball Park.
Could they have a leadoff hitter back by the time they leave town again at the end of the week?
Center fielder TJ Friedl opened a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday and quickly doubled off the wall and drew a walk in his first league game since suffering a non-displaced fracture in his glove wrist March 16 on a sliding catch attempt.
“It needs to play out a little bit so that he can just focus on his timing and getting his at-bats,” said manager David Bell, adding that team officials likely will start talking about a timeline for Friedl’s return from the injured list after the weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles.
Friedl followed his rehab debut with a 0-for-4 game Friday night, including a strikeout.
The Reds have an off day Monday, then play three at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks before heading back out for a long west coast trip.
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“Physically he’s done everything from healing fast to keeping his legs in shape and keeping his arm in shape,” Bell said. “He’s done everything he can to speed this process up. Whenever we feel he’s gotten enough at-bats he’ll be here.”
Friedl, a lineup catalyst who led the majors with 17 bunt hits last season, also is one of the team’s top fielders.
“We all know he’s a big part of our team,” Bell said. “Having TJ back in the lineup, and just around our team, is going to be great.”
Meanwhile, both first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Tyler Stephenson returned to the lineup Friday after being sidelined since the day after both were hit by pitches on their wrists Saturday in Texas.
“We’re pretty lucky it wasn’t worse. Where they got hit easily could have been a broken bone,” Bell said.
The Reds also had right fielder Jake Fraley back in the lineup after he sat out the last two games in San Diego trying to shake the last of a cough that lingered from the latest illness to sideline a player so far this season.
“We’ve played several games where we haven’t really had anyone available off the bench,” Bell said. “With the DH, it’s manageable for sure, but it will be nice to have our entire team.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How fast can speedy TJ Friedl return to Cincinnati Reds lineup?
