Matt McLain injury diagnosis gives Terry Francona a window to change Reds lineup

Many Reds fans feared this was going to happen. Matt McLain is headed to the 10-day IL after sitting out the past few games with hamstring tightness. McLain last appeared as a pinch-hitter during the Cincinnati Reds' 3-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, and will now miss at least the next week with yet another injury.

McLain's absence, however, gives the Reds a chance to offer opportunities to a number of other players. In addition to McLain's placement on the IL, the Reds also optioned Carson Spiers to Triple-A Louisville. This will, of course, set the stage for Andrew Abbott's impending return when the Reds arrive back home on Friday for a three-game clash with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

But with Abbott's start a few days away, the Reds can afford to supplement the roster with some much needed offensive firepower. Cincinnati recalled both outfielder Will Benson and infielder Noelvi Marte from Triple-A Louisville to help fill out the 26-man roster.

Matt McLain's injury gives Terry Francona a chance to upend Reds lineup with the additions of Will Benson and Noelvi Marte

While not in Tuesday's starting lineup, you can bet that both Benson and Marte will find a way into the Reds batting order sooner rather than later. Benson has been hitting the cover off the ball down at Triple-A Louisville, and Marte has been putting up solid number as well.

Both Benson and Marte had seasons they'd just as soon forget in 2024. Benson was ticketed to be the Reds everyday right fielder, but struck out at an unsustainable clip and was relegated to a bench role. Marte was busted for PED use, served an 80-game suspension, and failed to regain the swing that made him such a prized prospect earlier in his career.

Look for Benson to eventually supplant Jake Fraley in the lineup. The Reds' right fielder has barely been able to make contact during the early-going, and even when he does, those balls die in the infield. Marte is a prime candidate to take over from Jeimer Candelario at third base. The Reds' prized 2024 free agent addition has been awful to begin the year.

Cincinnati needed an injection of offensive firepower, and there's certainly hope that both Benson and Marte can bring that to the Reds lineup. Losing McLain, however, is a massive blow to a team who's already down two of their top bats in Tyler Stephenson and Austin Hays.

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