Cincinnati Reds Prepared if Matt McLain Misses Regular Season Games With Oblique Injury

The Reds roster should be able to withstand McLain's absence.

Author:
Jeff Carr
Publish date:
Feb 21, 2024 10:45 AM EST

In this story:

You can never have too much depth and the Cincinnati Reds are learning that early on in spring training. Many have said the glut of infield talent is a problem to be solved, but it is proving to be an insurance policy the Reds can’t live without.

Matt McLain suffered another oblique pull, unrelated to the injury that ended his season last August.

David Bell said they are shutting him down for a week, and that may not affect his Opening Day availability, but the Reds can weather the storm if McLain does miss time.

Nick Krall added Jeimer Candelario to the infield this offseason. Many saw this as an unnecessary move for a position group that was already full of talented players. That move gives the Reds the flexibility to move some players around and not miss much of a beat.

Jonathan India can step in and be the everyday second baseman while McLain recovers. In the short term, the Reds can get decent production from the lineup in spite of McLain’s absence.

Without McLain, here’s what the lineup could look like:

TJ Friedl CF
Spencer Steer LF
Elly De La Cruz SS
Jeimer Candelario DH
Christian Encarnacion-Strand 1B
Noelvi Marte 3B
Jonathan India 2B
Tyler Stephenson C
Will Benson RF

That is still a very good lineup. You can swap out Jose Barrero for Will Benson against lefties and you can make an argument for Jake Fraley at DH and Candelario at first base.

This lineup can still be very dangerous. McLain is expected to experience a short absence and shouldn't miss any regular season games. If he does for any reason, the Reds have solid backup plans in place.

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