David Bell mentioned that Matt McLain’s shoulder will undergo evaluation on Monday, as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The Reds are prepared for the possibility of McLain not being available for Opening Day due to his shoulder issue, which arose after he experienced soreness in his left shoulder following a dive during a workout. Bell stated that the club is considering all options, including surgery, for McLain’s non-throwing shoulder.
Regarding McLain’s situation, Bell indicated that it’s unlikely he’ll be ready for the start of the season, and a definitive timeline will only be determined after he receives a second opinion. Consequently, the Reds are preparing for the likelihood of not having McLain in their lineup initially, with the decision on the 26th man spot potentially delayed until Wednesday.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding McLain, the Reds acted swiftly to address their infield depth by acquiring utility infielder Santiago Espinal from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitcher Chirs McElvain. Nick Krall, the president of baseball operations, emphasized Espinal’s versatility and past performance as an All-Star, highlighting his ability to play second, short, and third base, providing valuable flexibility and rest opportunities for other players.
McLain showed promise during his major league debut in 2023, displaying his potential with impressive offensive statistics. Despite being primarily drafted as a shortstop, McLain split his time between shortstop and second base. With Elly De La Cruz likely taking over at shortstop, McLain may focus more on second base. The Reds also have depth in the infield with players like Jeimer Candelario, who recently signed a three-year deal, though the 8-game suspension of Noelvi Marte and McLain’s potential absence may affect how playing time is distributed across the diamond.