And the hits keep on coming…

Regarding playing time in the infield, the Reds roster seemed to be in a bit of a log jam at the beginning of the new year. In order to replace Joey Votto at first base, they signed Jeimer Candelario as a free agent. Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Matt Mcclain, Jonathan India, Christian Encarnacion Strand, and Noelvi Mate were among them.All of them were competing for playing time in the infield at the beginning of camp, which generated a lot of interesting trade speculations regarding Jonathan India this offseason. India is still a member of the squad, and the previous log jam is beginning to raise some red flags. In addition to Marte’s 80-game suspension for using a banned substance, Edwin Arroyo, a prized prospect, was lost yesterday to a ruptured labrum. To make matters worse, another top prospect who was expected to open the season as a key member of the starting lineup may now also need surgery.

2B – Matt Mclain

We learned yesterday that McLain is seeking a second opinion regarding his left shoulder problem. When asked yesterday if he believed McLain would require surgery, Red Manager David Bell said, “All options are on the table right now,” following the receipt of the MRI results. This next season, McLain was supposed to bat in the top half of the order and be the team’s starting second baseman. Playing in 89 games the previous season, McLain slashed.290/.357/.507 with an OPS of.864, scoring 65 runs, 23 doubles, four triples, 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, 31 walks, and 14 stolen bases. Although McLain wasn’t as spectacular, he statistically outperformed highly regarded prospect Elly De La Cruz previous year. Hopefully, McLain can avoid surgery and miss minimal time if the matter is resolved quickly.

 

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What does the infield look like without McLain?

The Reds previously had to move Jemier Candelario from first to third, man Short for Elly De La Cruz, man Second for India, and play First for Christian Encarnacion Strand. Now that TJ Friedl is out due to a wrist injury, the team will likely need to start the season with both Stuart Fairchild and Jake Fraley, whether at DH or center. This creates an opening at DH.

Summary

A protracted absence for McLain would be devastating for the Reds, who want to contend for the NL Central Division this year. The lineup is slightly weakened by Marte’s ban, particularly if Friedl takes longer to heal from his wrist injury. Though the regular season hasn’t even begun, the Reds need to take a break right now. We’ll wait for more details.

This piece was syndicated with permission after it originally published on Inside The Diamonds.