Matt McLain's continued absence will have Reds fans drawing frightening comparisons

Matt McLain's ability is undeniable. Outside of Elly De La Cruz, McLain is arguably the most talented player on the Cincinnati Reds roster. But that doesn't amount to a hill of beans if you're not on the field.

Monday's game against the San Francisco Giants represented the fourth consecutive game McLain has missed this season — though he did make a pinch-hit appearance on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Given the way Cincinnati's roster is constructed, McLain's absence is a major blow to the Reds lineup. The Reds most versatile defender, Spencer Steer, is limited to DH duty, and both Tyler Stephenson and Austin Hays are on the IL. McLain's extended absence combined with a lengthy track record of injuries is eerily similar to another former Reds' first-round draft pick.

Matt McLain's continued absence will have Reds fans drawing frightening comparisons to Nick Senzel

Both McLain and former Reds outfielder Nick Senzel ended their rookie seasons the same way — on the injured list. McLain suffered an oblique injury during the final month of the 2023 season while Senzel suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

McLain missed all of last season after suffering a shoulder injury during spring training. He attempted to make a late-season comeback, but another oblique injury ended his chances of returning to the Reds lineup. Senzel battled a groin injury and a prolonged illness in 2020, then appeared in just 36 games during the 2021 season due to a knee injury.

From a production standpoint, McLain is the far superior player. In 97 games, McLain owns an .864 OPS and is worth 4.1 bWAR. Senzel's first three seasons, which only added up to a total of 163 games, saw the University of Tennessee alum hit just .246/.308/.396 with -0.6 bWAR.

But Senzel's overall production was interrupted by constant trips to the IL. Before the Reds finally moved on from Senzel in 2023, he'd made nine separate trips to the IL. During his Reds' career, Senzel appeared in just 377 of a possible 708 games (53.2%). Senzel's injury-plagued career, which has since seen him join Tecolotes De Los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League, caused most Reds fans to refer to him as a bust.

Obviously McLain will receive much more latitude, but Cincinnati needs their star second baseman back on the field if they hope to make a playoff push in 2025. The Reds will try to win two in a row against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, and it sure would be nice to have McLain back in the starting lineup.

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