Stuart Fairchild has reportedly received the news he has worked so hard for—he will be on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster.
The decision may seem obvious in light of TJ Friedl suffering a broken wrist, but Mark Sheldon of MLB.com is reporting that Fairchild received the news before the injury. he was told a few days before the injury occurred.
Fairchild was one of the first players to get the “best shape of his life” tag in Spring Training. He has shown out by knocking the cover off the ball on a consistent basis in Cactus League games.
Originally part of the crowded battle for the 26th spot on the roster, Fairchild’s Opening Day appointment seemed more and more likely as the spring went on. The Reds cut Jose Barrero, Noelvi Marte got suspended, and then Friedl’s injury all kept making it more and more obvious the Reds would need Fairchild’s services.
He will immediately play an important role as he is the best defender in centerfield who is currently healthy, on the Reds' roster. He will also face left-handed pitching as part of a platoon. Nick Krall confirmed he would pair up with Will Benson to replace Friedl in the interim.
More roster announcements to come!
More must-reads: