Injuries have been a recurring problem for the Cincinnati Reds' sophomores. Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson have both missed significant time this season, and Stephenson is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken clavicle.
During the Field of Dreams Game on Thursday night in Iowa, India was removed from the game after being hit in the lower leg during his first at-bat. According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, India was airlifted to an Iowa City hospital and was driven back to Cincinnati in order to minimize swelling in his leg.
India is a gamer, so it shouldn't surprise anyone throughout Reds Country if the infielder is back atop David Bell's lineup on Saturday night versus the Chicago Cubs. But if India lands on the IL, there's a pair of players at Triple-A Louisville who could take his place.
TJ Friedl would be the most logical choice. No, he doesn't play on the infield, but the Cincinnati Reds have a trio of players who could pick up the slack in the field. Matt Reynolds (who replaced India on Thursday night), Donovan Solano, and Alejo Lopez are all capable of playing the keystone should India miss any time due to injury.
Friedl has been absolutely crushing the ball at Triple-A Louisville. The 26-year-old is hitting .276/.365/.468 on the season, but since July 1st, Friedl is slashing .330/381/.505 with 10 extra base hits, 25 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.
The Reds, however, could decide to make a bold choice and elevate one of their newest prospects to the major leagues. Spencer Steer, who came to Cincinnati in the trade with the Minnesota Twins for Tyler Mahle, has been hitting .286/.394/.429 in his first seven game at Triple-A Louisville.
Of course, adding Steer to the 40-man roster would require a corresponding move, while recalling Friedl is a rather simple transaction. Fans will know more once Jonathan India returns to Cincinnati. He rarely wants to even come out of a game, much less miss time.
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