The Cincinnati Reds announced on Wednesday that second baseman Matt McLain underwent surgery on his left shoulder and will be out indefinitely. The surgery was successful in repairing his labrum and addressing cartilage damage, but the timeline for his return is uncertain. Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall stated that they are hopeful to have McLain back this season, but the exact timeline is still to be determined.
McLain, 24, sustained the shoulder injury during a Spring Training workout on March 18 while attempting to make a diving catch. After initially thinking the injury was minor, he sought a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, which revealed more serious damage. During his rookie season, McLain made significant contributions to the Reds’ surprising 82-win season with a .290 batting average, 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases, finishing fifth in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
With McLain sidelined, the Reds will look to Jonathan India to fill in at second base, a position he primarily played from 2021-23. India, drafted fifth overall in 2018, made his MLB debut in 2021 and was named Baseball America’s Rookie of the Year that season. He has a career .255 batting average with 73 doubles, 48 home runs, and 171 RBIs. Additionally, the Reds acquired Santiago Espinal as a utility infielder after McLain’s injury, with Espinal likely to see time at third base while India takes over at second.
Injuries have plagued the Reds, as starting center fielder TJ Friedl is out with a fractured right wrist and starting third baseman Noelvi Marte is serving an 80-game suspension for a positive drug test. The team will rely on Espinal and India to step up in McLain’s absence and provide depth in the infield. These challenges test the team’s depth and resilience as they navigate through the early stages of the season without key players.
The news of McLain’s surgery and uncertain timeline for return raise concerns for the Reds as they strive to compete in a competitive National League Central division. Manager David Bell had previously indicated that McLain would begin the season on the injured list, but the severity of the injury and potential extended absence create challenges for team planning and roster management. The Reds will rely on India, Espinal, and other options to fill the void left by McLain and continue to compete at a high level.
Despite the setbacks and injuries, the Reds remain focused on their goal of contending in the NL Central and making a postseason push. The depth of their roster and the resilience of their players will be tested as they navigate through the challenges of injuries and suspensions. The team remains optimistic that McLain will make a full recovery and return to the field this season, but in the meantime, they are focused on fielding a competitive team and overcoming adversity as they strive for success in the 2023 season.
