Reds call up outfield prospect after TJ Friedl's season-altering injury is revealed

First it was a fractured wrist that landed TJ Friedl on the injured list, and now it's a broken thumb. The Cincinnati Reds outfielder was struck on the hand by the first pitch of Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Friedl remained in the game at first, but was removed from the lineup between innings.

Initial X-rays were said to be inconclusive, and Friedl underwent further evaluation in Arizona on Monday. With Friedl out for what's likely to be the next several weeks, the Reds will turn to one of the team's top prospects in Jacob Hurtubise.

A former West Point graduate, Hurtubise will make his major league debut once he sets foot on the diamond. The outfielder was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Reds in 2020, and has used his combination of speed and on-base skills to wreck havoc on opposing pitchers. Quite honestly, Hurtubise's style of play will remind Reds fans of the way Friedl plays the game.

Reds call up OF prospect Jacob Hurtubise after TJ Friedl lands on IL

This is a worst case scenario for Friedl, who had just returned to the Reds lineup earlier last week. Friedl was left off the Reds Opening Day roster after he dove for a ball during a Cactus League game. Friedl fractured his wrist on the play and missed the first several weeks of the 2024 season.

Hurtubise is returning from injury himself and has played just nine minor league games this season. Hurtubise is 7-for-29 with a .353 on-base percentage. Throughout his four minor league seasons, Hurtubise owns a .295 batting average and .434 OBP.

There's not much pop in Hurtubise's bat, but he more than makes up for that with his speed. Hurtubise can play all three outfield spots but has logged his most time in the pros playing left field. Hurtubise was primarily a centerfielder during his four seasons at Army.

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