3 possible replacements if Reds outfielder TJ Friedl lands on the Injured List

3. Reds SS Matt McLain could be called up if TJ Friedl is placed on the IL.

Okay, you twisted my arm. Yes, there is an opportunity for Matt McLain to make his Cincinnati Reds debut if TJ Friedl hits the IL. But, adding McLain is not as easy as the previously mentioned transactions involving Michael Siani and Will Benson.

Look, if you've been paying attention you know that McLain is major league-ready. The 23-year-old just launched his 12th home run of the season for Triple-A Louisville on Thursday night and currently owns an OPS of 1.188. McLain also has nine stolen bases on the season.

But how would the Reds get McLain onto the roster and where would he fit in the lineup? Adding McLain means that someone on the 40-man roster needs to go bye-bye. Actually, with Connor Overton out until at least June, the Reds could very easily move the right-hander to the 60-day IL in order to clear a spot.

If McLain gets the call, he needs to play either shortstop or second base. With Jonathan India entrenched at the keystone and both Jose Barrero and Kevin Newman struggling at the dish, the move is clear; McLain should be the everyday shortstop.

Now comes the more important question; who gets optioned to Triple-A. While moving Overton to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster, the Reds would still need to remove a player from the active roster.

With Stuart Fairchild, Wil Myers, Nick Senzel, Jake Fraley, and Henry Ramos all capable of playing the outfield, Cincinnati could option one of their infielders. Based on his play of late, Barrero should be optioned to Triple-A while Newman serves as a backup and mentor to McLain.

There you go. I think it's fair to say that this is a good, better, best scenario. Which may might the Cincinnati Reds front office go if TJ Frield lands on the Injured List.