The Cincinnati Reds recently welcomed TJ Friedl back to the active roster after a swift recovery from a broken thumb sustained during the team’s West Coast road trip. Within barely two weeks on the IL, Friedl returned to the lineup as the Reds’ leadoff hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals this past Wednesday, as per David Bell’s lineup card.
To facilitate Friedl’s return, Cincinnati decided to designate Mike Ford for assignment rather than prolong the situation. Ford, who previously signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Reds after an impressive showing in spring training, opted for free agency after refusing the outright assignment to Triple-A. His departure seemed to be in the best interest of all parties, given his lackluster performance during his brief stint with the team.
In the few games Ford played, manager David Bell placed the former New York Yankees farmhand in the heart of the lineup, but Ford struggled, managing just 9 hits in 60 at-bats with a .411 OPS and two extra-base hits.
Additionally, the Reds outrighted Brett Kennedy to Triple-A Louisville Bats after briefly returning him to the 40-man roster. Kennedy, serving as a temporary replacement for injured reliever Emilio Pagán, accepted the outright assignment and will rejoin the Louisville Bats’ rotation. In the minor leagues this season, Kennedy has posted a 1-5 record with a 6.86 ERA.
Furthermore, Alfredo Duno, the Reds’ top catching prospect playing at Low-A Daytona this season, landed on the seven-day IL. Duno, who has been hitting .267/.367/.422 in his stateside professional debut, was removed from a game against the Ft. Myers Mighty Mussels on May 24th and has not returned to the field since, although there is currently no specific injury designation for him.
