Cruz injured his right ankle in the second game of the season and needed a DL stint. Since coming back, the slugger has gone 3-for-24 (.125) with just 1 homer as he apparently remains a bit hobbled. Manager Scott Servais plans to work in a day or two off for Cruz next week in hopes his ankle gets right.

numberFire's algorithms project Cruz for 27 homers, 89 RBI, and a .272 batting average in 523 plate appearances the rest of the season.

Samardzija strained his pec in spring training and was placed on the DL to start the year. He made 1 rehab appearance, allowing 6 runs in 2 2/3 innings for High-A San Jose.

Our models project Samardzija for 5.4 strikeouts and 3.2 runs allowed in 6 and 2/3 innings pitched for 29.3 FanDuel points on Friday.

Schebler had been out since April 1 with an elbow injury but is available to play off the Reds' bench on Friday. Adam Duvall, Billy Hamilton, and Jesse Winker remain in the Reds' outfield on Friday.

numberFire's algorithms project Schebler for 19 homers, 53 RBI, 45 runs scored, and a .235 batting average in 430 plate appearances the rest of the season.

Pence has been dealing with a sore thumb and with it not getting any better, he needs to sit out a while, hence the DL stint. The team hopes he will be better and able to be activated when first eligible. Mac Williamson was called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Before the injury, numberfire's models had Pence hitting .271 with 15 homers and 61 RBI in 460 plate appearances the rest of the season. An extended stint will no doubt reduce those numbers.

Joyce is getting a routine day off versus southpaw Drew Pomeranz and the Boston Red Sox with Chad Pinder filling in for him on Friday night.

numberFire's algorithms project Joyce for 15 homers, 50 RBI, and a .239 batting average in 372 plate appearances the rest of the season.