Elly De La Cruz's collision with TJ Friedl causes major ripple effect for Reds lineup

TJ Friedl, who's been diagnosed with a bone bruise, is out of the Cincinnati Reds' starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Instead, left fielder Gavin Lux will lead things off for the Reds and Will Benson will be in center field. Friedl's absence is no doubt due to the outfield collision that occured on Tuesday night when Elly De La Cruz ventured way too far into the outfield.

The night didn't start out well for Friedl. The Reds centerfielder, after taking a few pitches up-and-in during his second at-bat of the evening, was plunked on the left arm. Friedl was in obvious pain as he trotted down to first base, and as the game wore on, a prominent welt appeared on his left forearm.

Friedl stayed in game, however, until the following inning. A lazy fly ball into shallow center field saw Friedl, De La Cruz, and Matt McLain all converge on the same spot. Both Frield and De La Cruz slid feet first, and the Reds' centerfielder was catapulted over top Cincy's star shortstop. As Friedl struck the ground, his momentum caused his right to slam against the turf.

Elly De La Cruz's collision with TJ Friedl causes major ripple effect for Reds lineup

Friedl eventually left the game under his own power and was replaced in center field by Benson. After the game, Friedl spoke about the collision with De La Cruz and said he was calling for the ball. While he didn't necessarily hold De La Cruz accountable for the incident, those types of plays typically fall under the responsibility of the outfielder.

The X-rays on Friedl's right wrist were negative, and the outfield was set to undergo an MRI on Wednesday. The hope, of course, is that holding him out Wednesday's game against the White Sox is merely precautionary. The last thing the Reds need is another player headed for the injured list.

The Reds are currently without Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Hunter Greene, Jeimer Candelario, Jake Fraley, and Austin Callihan. Cincinnati cannot afford to lose another outfielder. Benson will be flanked by Lux and Rece Hinds during tonight's contest with Austin Hays acting as the Reds designated hitter.

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