Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain underwent surgery on his left shoulder and will be out for an indefinite period.
The Reds announced that McLain had a successful surgery to repair his labrum and address cartilage damage. The team stated that there is a “wide range of possibilities” for McLain’s return timeline and they are hopeful he will be back this season.
Reds manager David Bell had previously indicated that McLain, 24, would start the season on the injured list. McLain, the Reds’ first-round draft pick in 2021, had a strong rookie season in 2023, batting .290 with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 steals in 89 games, finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He missed three weeks of spring training with a sore right oblique muscle.
In addition to McLain, the Reds are also without third baseman Noelvi Marte, who is serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, and center fielder T.J. Friedl, who broke his right wrist earlier this month.
With McLain sidelined, newcomers Jeimer Candelario and 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India are expected to take on increased roles in the infield. The Reds will open the season at home on Thursday against the Washington Nationals.
