This Reds injury makes a bold trade deadline move inevitable

If the Cincinnati Reds weren't already looking to pick up an outfielder at this year's MLB trade deadline, they should be now. Jake Fraley was placed on the 10-day IL with a what's being called a shoulder sprain, but it sounds as if the injury is a bit more complex than that.

According to Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Fraley revealed that he has a partially torn labrum and has been dealing with chronic issues in that same shoulder for four seasons. Fraley is seeking an additional opinion before he and the team move forward with a plan.

This is obviously an unfortunate set of circumstances for a player who was just starting to turn the corner. Since the calendar flipped to June, Fraley was making more hard contact and owned a .256/.347/.349 slash line with a 95 wRC+. With Fraley on the IL, look for the Reds to lean heavily on the left-handed bat of Will Benson, but Cincinnati will need to add another outfielder before the July 31 deadline.

Jake Fraley's injury only hastens the need for the Reds to add another outfielder at the MLB trade deadline

Heading into Saturday, the Reds starting outfield is comprised of Benson, TJ Friedl, and Austin Hays. But backing up that trio is some combination of Ryan Vilade, Rece Hinds, Gavin Lux, and Spencer Steer. While the added versatility of Lux and Steer give manager Terry Francona options when facing a left-handed pitcher, neither player is a good outfield defender. Cincinnati's front office should hone in on a right-handed hitter who can play above-average defense at either corner outfield spot.

There'll be no shortage of such players available before the MLB trade deadline passes, and with Fraley now on the IL, perhaps the Reds front office will look to act sooner rather than later. Players like Alex Call (Washington Nationals), Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox), and Dane Myers (Miami Marlins) are just a few names to keep an eye on as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

Fraley and Benson represent a redundancy on the roster. Both players hit from the left side, can field all three outfield spots, and play above-average defense. But without Fraley, the Reds' outfield depth has taken a hit. It sounds as if Fraley's injury will have him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and that only heightens the need for Cincinnati to pursue an outfielder at the MLB trade deadline.

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