Reds OF TJ Friedl takes his hot bat to the Cream City to battle the slumping Brewers

Reds OF TJ Friedl is improving his standing heading into 2023.

Don't tell TJ Friedl there's nothing to play for over the final month of the 2022 season. Attempting to secure a spot on next year's roster, the 27-year-old rookie has taken advantage of his opportunities in his last 30 appearances.

Slashing .344/.394/.644 with five homers and 15 RBIs, Friedl has excelled when called upon. Through his first 62 big league games, his numbers would project to be .281/.335/.478 with 16 round-trippers and as many stolen bases over a 162-game season. Needless to say, those numbers will play.

Not only has Friedl provided value at the plate, but, he's been one of the best defenders on the roster. Prior to yesterday's struggles in with sun at Wrigley Field, Friedl had posted very good defensive numbers.

If it's speed you desire, his six stolen bases, in only 48 games, ranks third on the ball club. In addition, Friedl's sprint speed places in the 76th percentile across the majors per Baseball Savant. As an above-average defender with pop in his bat, it's not hard to imagine TJ Friedl becoming the left-handed version of Chris Heisey. That's not a bad thing.

Prediction: Reds can't get over the hump against the Brewers.

Can the Redlegs make it three series victories in a row? Not so fast, my friend. Look for the Brewers' dominance over the Reds to extend to at least one more series as the Beer Makers take two of three from the Reds before Cincinnati returns home to host the Pittsburgh Pirates.