TJ Friedl will become very familiar with the drive up I-71 from Louisville to Cincinnati

It's a good bet that TJ Friedl will be back with the Cincinnati Reds sooner rather than later. With Tommy Pham scratched from last night's game due to calf discomfort and Tyler Naquin being lifted with a quad strain in the fourth inning, Friedl could be on a plane to Boston as we speak.

Friedl was called up to the big leagues earlier this season when the Reds lost Naquin, Nick Senzel, and Jake Fraley to various injuries and ailments.

Friedl should become accustomed to the scenery along I-71 between Louisville and Cincinnati because the outfielder will likely see plenty of it this year.

TJ Friedl will get his chance with the Reds this season.

TJ Friedl will get opportunities throughout the 2022 season to prove that he belongs in the big leagues. Friedl has 12 hits in 67 at-bats this season and has three extra base hits but no home runs.

Friedl has power, but that's not his calling card. The 26-year-old is more well-regarded for his speed and defense. Friedl is at his best when he focuses on putting the ball in play rather than swinging for the fences.

Friedl hasn't found his groove yet, in the big leagues or at Triple-A Louisville. Prior to joining the Reds in early May, Friedl had just one multi-hit game with the Louisville Bats, but his walk-rate is outstanding.

According to FanGraphs, TJ Friedl has a 17.4% walk-rate at Triple-A Louisville this season and a .341 on-base percentage despite only hitting .188. Those are the types of numbers that will help keep him in the major leagues.

Friedl plays very good defense, and while his arm isn't the greatest, he can field all three positions. His problem at the moment, when it comes to finding a spot on the Reds roster, is that the trio of Nick Senzel, Aristides Aquino, and Albert Almora Jr. have turned the Cincinnati outfield into one of the more formidable defensive units in the league.

If Tyler Naquin's injury takes him out of action, TJ Friedl will undoubtedly get the call. Jake Fraley was removed from his rehab assignment, and Friedl is the only outfielder at Triple-A on the 40-man roster.