Jake

Fraley

The homer was Fraley’s fifth in 118 plate appearances this season. That matches his total from 382 plate appearances last year. Unfortunately, his .218 average this year pales in comparison to last year’s .277 mark, so he has pretty much the same OPS now — .727 — as his .716 in 2024. As a strict platoon guy hitting towards the bottom of the order, Fraley isn’t an option in mixed leagues, even if he does occasionally intrigue with his homer and steal potential.

Fraley clobbered his fourth big fly of the season, taking Cubs starter Colin Rea deep in the sixth inning of his return from the injured list after missing three weeks due to a calf issue. The 30-year-old figures to eat into Will Benson’s playing time now that he’s back in the fold, but there should be plenty of at-bats to go around with Austin Hays (foot) landing on the shelf.

Because of Will Benson’s success as the right fielder against right-handers, Fraley wasn’t really missed during his three-week absence due to a calf injury. It seemed like he’d be in line for less playing time after returning, but since Austin Hays is hurt now, Fraley should stay in the lineup against right-handers. He hit .205/.319/.359 in 91 plate appearances before going down.

Fraley hit the injured list back on May 10 with a left calf issue and will likely need a couple rehab games to get back up to speed before rejoining Cincinnati’s lineup at some point next week. It’ll be interesting to see what role he returns to since Will Benson has blossomed into a full-blown phenomenon in his absence.

Fraley heads to the shelf for some extra rest and recovery time following a four-game absence due to a lingering calf issue. It doesn’t sound like he’s facing an extended absence, but the Reds can’t really afford to continue playing with a shortened bench. It’ll be veteran Connor Joe, who was acquired on Friday in a trade with the Padres, taking his spot on Cincinnati’s active roster.

The dynamic 29-year-old outfielder sat out each of the team’s previous three contests due to tenderness in his left calf. Fraley returns to a .205/.319/.359 slash line to go along with three homers, nine RBI and three stolen bases through his first 91 plate appearances. His return will negatively impact the playing time of Rece Hinds, who finds himself back on the bench for Friday’s ballgame.

Fraley has been dealing with tenderness in his left calf, and he’ll miss another game while recovering. Rece Hinds will get the start in left field while Fraley gets better.

Fraley will sit out Wednesday’s showdown at Truist Park in Atlanta with Reds manager Terry Francona telling reporters he’ll need to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the issue. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now, but there’s a chance he winds up requiring a trip to the injured list.

Fraley is batting seventh against the Cardinals. Blake Dunn returns to the bench after going 1-for-3 in his place last night.

It doesn’t sound like a serious concern. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.