CINCINNATI — Reds outfielder Jake Fraley has been placed on the family medical emergency list ahead of Friday’s game against the Tigers, allowing him time to be with his family. The move comes as Fraley’s 5-year-old daughter, Avery, who was diagnosed with leukemia last summer and went into remission in January, requires additional support.
After spending a few days with Avery and his wife Angelica in Miami earlier this month, Fraley returned to the team. The Reds have now utilized the family medical emergency list to provide him with more time at home.
“Avery’s doing well,” confirmed Reds manager David Bell on Friday.
Balancing his baseball duties with the demands of supporting his family has been a significant challenge for Fraley.
“They’re incredible—just unbelievably strong,” Bell said before Friday’s game. “Jake has built a support system and routine that allows him to stay on the field, but obviously, going through something like this with your family takes a toll. Jake has managed it as best as he can, and from what I understand, the family is strong and doing well. We’re committed to supporting him during these times when he needs to be home.”
Similar to the paternity leave provisions, the family emergency list provides teams with the flexibility to allow a player to take time off and call up a replacement. Earlier this week, Tyler Stephenson used this option, and the Reds have now called up Edwin Ríos from Triple-A Louisville to fill Fraley’s spot.
“It’s a valuable option because life doesn’t stop,” Bell noted. “It’s essential to have this flexibility. Life happens, and having this provision is beneficial.”