Key Piece of Cincinnati Reds' Roster Slated to Make Spring Training Debut
Though he's battled spring training foot problems, Cincinnati Reds' utility player Jonathan India is set to make his Cactus League debut on Friday.
Per Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer on social media:
David Bell said that Jonathan India is on track to make his spring training debut on Friday.
India has dealt with plantar fasciitis in the past, so this appears to have been a re-aggravation of that injury.
The 27-year-old India won the Rookie of the Year award in 2021 but has not been as good in each successive year. He hit .269 with 21 homers in 2021 while posting a .376 on-base percentage. He played just 103 games in 2022, hitting .249 with 10 homers. In 2023, he played 119 games, hitting .244 with a .338 on-base percentage. He had 17 home runs.
He figures to take on more of a utility role for the Reds this season given their glut of infielders. The team has Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer and Jeimer Candelario already, so India could see some time at first base or left field, in addition to his traditional second base.
Because of all that young talent on the position player side, the Reds will be a trendy pick to get to the playoffs this year. Cincinnati hasn't advanced to the playoffs since the COVID-shortened 2020 season, when they were beaten by the Atlanta Braves.
The Reds will open up the season on March 28 against the Washington Nationals. That will be at 4:10 p.m. ET.
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