Reds' McLain undergoes shoulder surgery, no timetable for return
Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain underwent shoulder surgery Tuesday to repair his labrum and fix damaged cartilage, the team announced.
Although the team is hopeful he'll play at some point in 2024, there's no immediate timetable for his return, president of baseball operations Nick Krall said, according to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
McLain had already been ruled out for Opening Day after hurting his non-throwing shoulder while diving for a ground ball during a workout. He underwent the surgery after seeking a second opinion.
This is the latest blow to an up-and-coming Reds squad that has hopes of contending in the NL Central. Center fielder TJ Friedl is also starting his season on the injured list after fracturing his wrist in a Cactus League game, while third baseman Noelvi Marte is serving an 80-game suspension for a positive drug test. Young pitchers Nick Lodolo and Brandon Williamson are also on the IL.
McLain, 24, finished fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting last season after hitting .290/.357/.507 with 16 homers, 50 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 89 games. He was slated to be Cincinnati's starting second baseman in 2024 before the shoulder surgery.
Former Rookie of the Year Jonathan India is the likeliest choice to replace McLain at the keystone. India, a natural second baseman who's never played anywhere else in the majors, had been transitioning into a utility role this spring.
Cincinnati moved to address its infield shortage last week by acquiring former All-Star Santiago Espinal from the Toronto Blue Jays.