Jeimer Candelario back in the Reds starting lineup (just not where you think)

Well, Reds fans, here's a bit of good news - Jeimer Candelario is back in the lineup ahead of Friday night's clash with the New York Mets. However, Candelario will not be at third base. Instead, the Reds' key offseason acquisition will be the team's designated hitter.

Candelario was forced to exit Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies after suffering an elbow injury during an at-bat in the eighth inning. Despite injuring himself during the middle of the AB, Candelario stuck with it and was able to record a double. However, Candelario was removed from the game between innings in favor of Santiago Espinal.

After the game, Bell was asked about the injury that Candelario suffered. At the time, the Reds manager described it as a hyperextension. Whatever the issue was, it seems that it will not hinder Candelario's ability to swing the bat on Friday night at Great American Ball Park.

Jeimer Candelario back in the Reds starting lineup as DH

Despite not playing the field on, Candelario will be occupying the same spot in the lineup that he has since Opening Day. Candelario will bat cleanup with Jonathan India, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand occupying the top of the batting order.

Following Candelario, Stuart Fairchild draws the start in center field tonight with left-hander Jose Quintana on the hill for the Mets. Elly De La Cruz will bat sixth and will likely turn around and bat right-handed.

The bottom third of the Reds batting order will feature the aforementioned Espinal at third base in place of Candelario. Will Benson gets another chance to hit against a lefty, and Luke Maile will be hanging the signs for starting pitcher Hunter Greene.

The game against the Mets represents the first City Connect Friday of the 2024 season, and for those not planning to head down to GABP, the game will air exclusively on Apple TV+. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.

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