Cincinnati Reds' Expected Contributor Undergoes Major Surgery, Could Miss Season

After being shut down recently with a shoulder issue, Cincinnati Reds' infielder Matt McLain has undergone surgery which could keep him out for the entirety of the year.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Matt McLain (9) fields a groundball during spring training workouts, / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

In a devastating blow, Cincinnati Reds' infielder Matt McLain could end up missing the entire season after undergoing shoulder surgery on Tuesday.

Per Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

From Nick Krall: "Yesterday, Matt McLain had successful surgery to address 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."

From Nick Krall: "Yesterday, Matt McLain had successful surgery to address 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."

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 27, 2024

Obviously "hope" to get McLain back is not a phrase that Reds fans wanted to hear heading into 2024. McLain was supposed to pair with Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte to make one of the most dynamic infields in baseball, but now McLain is out and Marte is suspended 80 games for PED use (he's also playoff ineligible should the Reds make it).

McLain was one of several exciting prospects to debut for the Reds during the 2023 season and he did not disappoint, hitting .290 over 365 at-bats. He also popped 16 homers and helped the Reds finish at 82-80.

McLain is a former first-round pick of the Reds in the 2021 draft out of UCLA. He drove in 50 runs and stole 14 bases as well in 2023. He also posted a .357 on-base percentage.

Jonathan India is expected to play second base in his absence, though Spencer Steer could see time there as well.

Cincinnati went 82-80 last season and is looking for its first playoff berth since 2020. They'll open Thursday against the Washington Nationals.

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