David Bell provides positive injury update for two of the Reds' ailing stars

It seems as if injury news has dominated the Major League Baseball airwaves since the 2024 season began. There's been so much negativity surrounding pitchers being placed on the injured list that the Player's Association has begun to feud with MLB.

But the Cincinnati Reds, outside of a shoulder injury to Brandon Williamson, have not had too many pitchers land on the IL to start the season. In fact, former first-round pick Nick Lodolo is scheduled to return to the mound for the Reds later this week.

But Reds manager David Bell had more positive news for the fanbase on Tuesday. According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, TJ Friedl has an MRI scheduled for later this week to recheck the status of his fractured wrist. Bell also said it's realistic that Matt McLain could return in August.

Reds fans receive positive injury update on Matt McLain, TJ Friedl

This is terrific news. The hope, of course, is that Friedl's recheck comes back clean and that the outfielder remains on track to return sometime during the month of May. Friedl suffered a wrist injury during spring training while diving for a ball in the outfield.

McLain injured his shoulder during spring training as well. While there was hope before the season began that last year's rookie would be able to return before Opening Day, McLain ended up on the 60-day IL following shoulder surgery.

This is a much more optimistic view of McLain's injury, as many fans were fearful that the Reds' second baseman may not be able to return in 2024. With Noelvi Marte being ineligible for the postseason following a suspension for PEDs, having McLain back to help offset that potential loss would be a huge bonus for Bell.

In McLain's stead, Jonathan India and Santiago Espinal having been manning second base. However, India exited the field during warmups on Monday after he was struck in the leg by a stray ball during batting practice. India was a late-scratch from Monday's game, but is back in the Reds lineup for Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

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