Refreshing news to start your Tuesday
Today the Cincinnati Reds made several moves to bolster their offense in what has been a dreadful start to the 2024 season. As of May 7th, as this article is published, the Reds currently have the WORST team average in Major League Baseball at .209. Today, they made moves to change that.
TJ Friedl is BACK!
First, among the most fun move…the Reds 2023 MVP Terry Lee Friedl is back. Yes, the guy that posted 3.8 Wins Above Replacement – he’s finally back in the lineup and with the Major League Baseball team Cincinnati Reds. Rejoice. TJ’s rehab stint was cut short due to the Reds genuine sense of urgency and dire need for some offensive help. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, TJ is notorious for rehabbing quick and getting back to the team.
In 4 quick games with AAA Louisville Bats, TJ Friedl logged 16 At Bats and had 4 hits. 3 of those went for extra bases, 3 doubles. He also walked twice, and struckout 3 times, but saw a plethora of pitches. By all counts, this is an aggressive call up, but a necessary one. The Cincinnati Reds offense has entirely flatlined, looks lifeless, and really needs one of its leaders back. I won’t be shocked to see a slower start for TJ, although May is typically his month of chaos. Let’s give him some breathing room here, folks. He is back QUICK.
More roster moves made…
In whole, Cincinnati Reds GM Nick Krall made several moves today to improve the team. Some, like me, could criticize they’re coming a bit late. FINALLY, after a dreadful, and I mean dreadful start, Nick Martini was optioned to AAA. Bubba Thompson was, too.
The Cincinnati Reds selected the contract of Conner Capel, whom was ripping up AAA pitching in the 30-so games he was down on the farm. Capel signed an MiLB contract with the Reds late in spring training and decided to stick it out with the organization, and now, he’ll be rewarded for it. Conner plays RF primarily, but will likely DH some as a Red. He slashed .268/.397/.567 with a 146 wRC+ and had 7 homeruns, 6 stolen bases. Conner is only 26 years old, and adds to the youth of our Cincinnati Reds, though he does have MLB experience, having played for the St. Louis Cardinals & Oakland Athletics in ’22 & ’23.
Full list of moves today from Reds GM Nick Krall:
- OF TJ Friedl instated from the 10 day Injured List
- DH Nick Martini optioned to AAA Louisville
- OF Bubba Thompson optioned to AA Chattanooga
- Reinstated RHP Frankie Montas
- Ian Gibaut transferred to the 60 Day IL
