Matt McLain's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (shoulder) has been cleared to resume throwing and running. McLain might be able to start swinging a bat in six weeks, which he said would help determine a clearer timeline for his rehab. Both McLain and manager David Bell have also reaffirmed that the goal is for the infielder to return this season. The 24-year-old former top prospect is recuperating from left shoulder surgery and isn't expected to be available until August at the earliest, and whether or not he's worth stashing in redraft fantasy leagues probably hinges on where you're sitting in the standings as we near the quarter mark of the campaign. Keep an eye on Jonathan India, Cincy's everyday second baseman in McLain's absence, but the former National League Rookie of the Year is slashing a weak .210/.321/.303 with two home runs, 11 RBI, 12 runs scored, and three stolen bases over 140 trips to the plate (33 games) this season.

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain (shoulder) is about a week away from a follow-up appointment with a doctor. The evaluation should allow the Reds to map out a clearer return timetable for McLain, who is recovering from March 26 left shoulder surgery. Manager David Bell said on April 1 that "there is a chance [McLain] gets back this year," so fantasy managers should still be prepared for the 24-year-old former top prospect to be sidelined through the All-Star break. With McLain on the shelf, former National League Rookie of the Year Jonathan India is operating as Cincy's everyday second baseman. India could heat up in a hurry, and over his last nine games, he's batting a strong .344 (11-for-32) with one home run, six RBI, three runs scored, one stolen base, and three walks.

Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said on Wednesday that "Matt McLain had successful surgery to address the cartilage damage and repair his labrum in his left shoulder. An exact timeline is still TBD as it has a wide range of possibilities. We hope to have Matt back this season." Even though the injury is to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, there's a fairly good chance we won't see the 24-year-old until the 2025 season, despite Krall's words. It's a tough blow for McLain after a very impressive debut in the big leagues for Cincy last year. Don't feel compelled to hang onto McLain in fantasy leagues if you have more pressing needs. McLain's injury now opens up the door for former National League Rookie of the Year, Jonathan India, to be the Reds' primary second baseman in 2024.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that that second baseman Matt McLain (shoulder) won't be ready for Opening Day on March 28. "I think it's safe to say he's not going to be ready to start the season," Bell said. After being scratched from a Cactus League game on Monday due to left-shoulder soreness, McLain is going for a second opinion, and the team hasn't ruled out the possibility that he might need surgery. The 24-year-old second-year player went from being fine to potentially missing extended time to begin the 2024 because of his shoulder injury. The former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA was set to open his sophomore year as Cincy's primary second baseman after slashing .290/.357/.507 with an .864 OPS, 16 homer, 50 RBI and 14 steals in 365 at-bats in his rookie season, but now Jonathan India will open the year as the Reds' second baseman.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that second baseman Matt McLain (shoulder) had an MRI exam on his left shoulder after recently being scratched from a Cactus League game. The team is looking at all of their options and next steps, and Bell said he's unsure if McLain would start the year on the active roster or on the injured list. One of the options for McLain is surgery. A report surfaced on Tuesday night that the 24-year-old would be fine, but this contradicts that news. It's unclear how long McLain might be out if he needs surgery, but fantasy managers considering him as a middle-infield option in mixed leagues after his strong rookie year in 2023 may now want to reconsider. If McLain opens the year on the IL, Jonathan India would serve as Cincy's primary second baseman.