Reds thankfully make correct roster move with struggling player as TJ Friedl returns

As it turns out, Mike Ford's strikeout looking during the bottom of the ninth inning of Tuesday night's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals will be his final at-bat in a Cincinnati Reds uniform. The Reds made the decision to designate Ford for assignment on prior to Wednesday's series finale against the Cardinals.

Ford was a standout during spring training, and many fans thought he should have been part of the Reds Opening Day roster. Instead, Ford began the year at Triple-A Louisville and hit well enough to earn a call-up to the big leagues after briefly opting out of his contract.

But once he arrived in the Reds clubhouse, it was painfully obvious that Ford is not capable of hitting major league pitching. Ford posted a slash line of just .150/.177/.233 in 60 at-bats for the Reds. It was time for the club to go in a different direction.

Reds thankfully make correct roster move with struggling player as TJ Friedl returns

While Ford's dismissal is unfortunate, it comes with a bit of good news on the injury front as TJ Friedl is back from his brief stint on the injured list. The outfielder suffered a fractured thumb earlier this month against the San Francisco Giants, but Friedl was activated from the 10-day IL on Wednesday and is back in the Reds lineup.

Friedl began the season on the injured list after suffering a fractured wrist during spring training. He made a brief return before being struck on the hand after playing just six games and was placed on the IL once again.

There was a certain fear among the Reds fanbase that the front office would hang on to Ford and instead option a player like Jacob Hurtubise back to the minor leagues. Thankfully that didn't happen, and common sense prevailed.

It will be interesting, however, to see how manager David Bell decides to use both Friedl and Hurtubise in the lineup. The Reds now have four left-handed outfielders on the roster, with just Spencer Steer and Stuart Fairchild hitting from the right side.

It's great to see Friedl back in the clubhouse, and Reds fans are hopeful to see Captain Chaos help ignite this struggling Reds offense. Friedl will bat leadoff and occupy center field during Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

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