With Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (wrist) set to open the 2024 season on the injured list with a fractured right wrist, Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild could see additional playing time to start the season, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Manager David Bell said, "It's all going to work out. I'm focused on the guys we have here." The 25-year-old Benson had a successful 2023 season in limited playing time but is batting just .200 in 25 spring at-bats. Fairchild has yet to stick in a big-league role but is hitting .360 with three home runs in 25 spring at-bats. From a fantasy perspective, Benson's potential to provide power and speed seems to give him the edge over Fairchild in deeper leagues. However, fantasy managers should watch for further news as the regular season approaches.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Stuart Fairchild was removed from the game Sunday after the second inning. Now undergoing tests for a concussion, more should be known about Fairchild later so make sure to check back.

The Cincinnati Reds demoted outfielder Stuart Fairchild to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. The 27-year-old added some value to the club's offense over 66 games, slashing .237/.339/.404 with four homers, 26 runs, 22 RBI, and nine stolen bases. In a corresponding move, the Reds have promoted right-hander Brett Kennedy. The former 11th-rounder will start Tuesday's game against Patrick Corbin and the Washington Nationals. Kennedy hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2018 when he posted a 6.75 ERA across 26.2 innings. He's pitched to a 3.71 ERA with 37 strikeouts through 43.2 innings at Triple-A this season, and fantasy managers should leave him on the waiver wire in just about every format.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Stuart Fairchild (neck) remains out of the team's lineup on Saturday against the Houston Astros. Fairchild was scratched from Friday's lineup with neck stiffness and he's not ready to return yet this weekend. He's currently riding a three-game hitting streak, but he's gone just 8-for-40 (.200) overall in 12 games in the month of July with a double, three home runs, seven RBI and two stolen bases in 46 plate appearances. The 27-year-old outfielder is mostly useful for his speed (eight stolen bases) in NL-only leagues. He's hitting .234 overall with four homers, 22 RBI and 24 runs scored. With Fairchild out again Saturday, Nick Senzel is starting in left field and is batting eighth against Astros right-hander Brandon Bielak.