Reds must be exceedingly cautious with Jonathan India's injury

Jonathan India is known to be a warrior on the field, oftentimes playing through pain and injuries. But Thursday night showed that the reigning Rookie of the Year is human as the Cincinnati Reds second baseman exited the game after coming up a little lame while legging out a single down the first-base line.

India exited the game and was replaced by Brandon Drury. Initial reports from the team were that India suffered hamstring injury injury. David Bell, however, was encouraged by the report from the training staff and suggested that India may only miss a game or two.

While we all want to see Jonathan India in the lineup, hitting atop the Cincinnati Reds batting order, hamstring injuries can be fickle and the team should proceed with an abundance of caution. Few players are as valuable to the franchise as India.

The Reds and Jonathan India must proceed with caution following injury.

Initial reports of the injury being mild are very encouraging, but there is no need to rush Jonathan India back. Yes, I'm quite aware of the Cincinnati Reds lack of infield depth, but that problem will only be magnified if India comes back too soon and re-injures himself.

David Bell even acknowledged how tricky hamstring injuries can be. Here's a quote from the Reds skipper courtesy of Bobby Nightengale's reporting from the Cincinnati Enquirer:

When it’s a hamstring, I don’t care how tough you are, it’s not one of those things you can play through. We’re hoping it’s like a cramp situation or a really mild strain or something. He did the right thing by coming out of the game, there’s not any question about that.

This is unfamiliar territory for India, who played through umpteen different injuries last season. India appeared in 150 games for the Redlegs last season, making 631 plate appearances. It takes a lot to get India to come off the field.

But this is a long season, and while the early returns don't signify that the Cincinnati Reds appear to be in the playoff hunt, you never know how the season is going to unfold. One thing is for sure, however, the Reds need India healthy if they have any hope to compete.

The Reds are already without Jose Barrero, Donovan Solano, and Max Schrock. Tommy Pham and Nick Senzel have missed the past two games after colliding in the outfield on Tuesday, though David Bell maintains that Senzel is not injured. Hopefully both outfielders are back in the lineup on Friday evening versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

If Jonathan India's injury requires a stint on the 10-day IL, so be it. The Cincinnati Reds could always recall Alejo Lopez to fill in until India or Solano return. Reds Country is hopeful that India's injury will only keep him out for a game or two, but the team should proceed with an abundance of caution.