Noelvi Marte's Reds return comes at the expense of a surprising roster casualty

Noelvi Marte is back on the big-league roster, but it comes at the expense of outfielder TJ Friedl. Marte had been raking in the minor leagues since being optioned back to Triple-A after just 10 games with the Reds to begin the year, so his promotion comes as no surprise. Friedl, however, is viewed as a team-leader in the clubhouse, so his demotion to the minors comes as a bit of a shock.

Marte certainly earned his call-up back to The Show. After hitting a paltry .138 with a -10 wRC+ through his first 10 games this season, Cincinnati's brass made the abrupt decision to send him back to Triple-A Louisville. During his time in the Derby City, he posted an impressive .369/.409/.575 slash line with eight home runs, 27 RBI, and nine stolen bases to go along with a 155 wRC+.

Marte's also been trying his hand in center field. The Reds switched him from his spot on the infield dirt and moved him to the outfield grass late last season. Marte made a season-saving catch in right field late last year, robbing Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds of a home run, and the Reds' talent evaluators believe he has the athleticism to stick in center field.

Reds option TJ Friedl to promote Noelvi Marte back to the big leagues

Friedl, on the other hand, has been a major disappointment this season. The spark-plug of the team last season hasn't been able to get anything going offensively, and his .179/.259/.256 slash line all but forced the Reds to make a move.

Friedl is highly respected in the clubhouse, especially by Reds manager Terry Francona. But at some point, it becomes about what you do on the field and not who you are off of it. And make no mistake, Friedl is one of the best pure human beings in that Reds' locker room.

Hopefully this trip by back to the minors can re-invigorate the Reds' fallen star. Friedl still has plenty to offer this year's team, but he's become little more than a part-time player and is just 8-for-49 (.163) over the last month. It'll be a tough pill to swallow for the veteran outfielder, but it's the correct decision for the team moving forward.

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