At the start of the new calendar year, the Reds roster appeared to have a bit of a log jam in terms of playing time in the infield. They signed Jeimer Candelario as a free agent to replace Joey Votto at first base. They had Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, Matt Mcclain, Christian Encarnacion Strand, and Noelvi Mate. At the start of camp all in the mix for playing time in the infield, which led to plenty of juicy trade rumors this offseason involving Jonathan India. Well, India is still with the team and the log jam that was, is starting to become an area of concern. Marte suspended 80 games substance that was banned, and yesterday a top prospect Edwin Arroyo was lost due to a torn labrum, to make matters worse there is a chance now that another top prospect slated to start the year as a big part of the starting lineup may require surgery as well.
2B – Matt Mclain
Yesterday we found out that McLain is heading for a second opinion on the injury to his left shoulder. Red Manager David Bell was asked yesterday if he thought McLain would need surgery his response “All options are on the table right now” after the MRI results came in. McLain was slated to be the team’s starting second baseman and bat in the top half of the order this coming season. McLain last season played in 89 games, scored 65 runs, 23 doubles, four triples, 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, 31 walks, 14 stolen bases, and slashed .290/.357/.507 with a .864 OPS. McLain statistically performed better than highly touted prospect Elly De La Cruz last year, just wasn’t as flashy. So hopefully the situation works it way out soon and McLain avoids surgery and can miss limited time.
What does the infield look like without McLain?
The Reds already had to shift Jemier Candelario to third from first, Elly De La Cruz will man Short, India at Second and Christian Encarnacion Strand will play first. This now opens the door at DH, as it is TJ Friedl is dealing with a wrist injury so the team will be forced to probably use both Stuart Fairchild and Jake Fraley every day to start the season whether it be in center or DH.
Summary
A prolonged absence for McLain would be a big hit to the Reds this season, a team looking to make a serious push for the NL Central Division. With Marte’s suspension, it weakens the lineup just a bit, especially if Friedl doesn’t return quickly from his wrist injury. We will wait for further information, but right now the Reds need to catch a break and the regular season has yet to even start.
