The Cincinnati Reds optioned struggling outfielder TJ Friedl to Triple-A Louisville for the second time this season to make room on the roster for newly acquired infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera on Saturday (Sept. 19).
Cabrera, 27, was claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees, who designated the once-promising prospect this week. He suffered a season-ending ankle injury in May last year and spent most of this season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as he continued his comeback.
Cabrera hit .288 with 19 home runs and was 12-for-13 stolen base attempts in 122 games at Triple-A this season.
Friedl, who continued to struggle after a monthlong demotion in June, has played sparingly in recent weeks after going unclaimed on waivers following
the trade deadline in August.
Last year's leadoff hitter for a playoff team (.364 on-base percentage), who opened this season in the same role, hit just .172 for the Reds this season, with a .255 OBP and may have played his last game with the Reds as a non-tender candidate who made $3.8 million this season.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Struggling TJ Friedl's Reds career likely ends with demotion to minors
