Reds vs. Phillies: Outfielder TJ Friedl needs to stay hot
You thought it was going to be Jason Vosler, didn't you? Well, you wouldn't be wrong to suggest Vosler, and Reds fans are hopeful his performance wasn't just a fluke. But the player who really needs to keep trending in a positive direction is TJ Friedl.
The Cincinnati Reds outfielder had a rough outing on Opening Day, but Friedl has responded in a big way and has six hits in the last three games. Friedl began the season 0-for-7, but is 6-for-10 with two home runs and a triple since.
Friedl has also laid down two successful bunts for base hits. It's rare to find a player with the type of speed/ power combination. Reds manager David Bell has also been batting Friedl second against right-handed starters.
Expect to see Friedl in the No. 2 hole on Friday against Zack Wheeler and Sunday versus Tijuan Walker. But just becasue left-hander Bailey Falter is headed to the hill for the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, don't think that Bell will just remove Friedl from the lineup.
In the Cincinnati Reds two games this season against left-handed starters, TJ Friedl has batted ninth. Friedl is 2-for-7 in those games, and has had success against southpaws in the past. It would be quite surprising to see Friedl on the bench at any point this weekend.