As Opening Day nears for the Cincinnati Reds, manager David Bell has offered injury updates concerning young infielder Matt McLain and veteran outfielder Jake Fraley.
According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the injury updates for key Cincinnati Reds players Matt McLain and Jake Fraley are largely positive. McLain experienced shoulder discomfort and was scratched from Monday’s spring training game, while Fraley exited due to a foul ball incident.
However, both received positive assessments from manager David Bell. McLain’s shoulder issue didn’t raise concerns after a doctor’s check-up, and Fraley, who took a hit “below the belt,” is reported to be feeling better.
This news is particularly reassuring amid challenges faced by the Reds this spring, including Noelvi Marte’s PED suspension sidelining him for 80 games and outfielder TJ Friedl’s wrist injury. McLain, a promising prospect who debuted impressively in 2023, is expected to solidify the Reds’ infield alongside Elly De La Cruz at second base.
As a former first-round pick from UCLA, McLain showcased his offensive prowess with a .290 batting average, 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases last season. Fraley, 28, entering his sixth major league season split between the Mariners and Reds, posted a .256 average with 15 home runs in 111 games last year.
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