Connor Overton injury update gives Reds prospect Matt McLain easy path to the majors

Every day is one day closer to Cincinnati Reds shortstop prospect Matt McLain making it to the major leagues.

This past week, all McLain did was hit for the cycle while going 11-for-25 with seven extra-base hits in six games. McLain struck out just three times while drawing two walks, recording a stolen base, and posting an OPS of 1.403.

McLain is primed to make his big league debut soon. In fact, it could be as soon as this week. Neither Kevin Newman nor Jose Barrero have grabbed the bull by the horns and both shortstops have minor league options remaining.

Connor Overton injury update gives Reds prospects Matt McLain easy path to the majors.

But throughout the early-going, one thing that has appeared to hold the Cincinnati Reds back when it comes to giving Matt McLain his shot in the bigs has been a spot on the 40-man roster. That should no longer be an issue.

While the idea of designating Joel Kuhnel or Kevin Herget for assignment can still be considered, the Reds relief corps may need some reinforcements sometime soon. But someone who won't be joining thee active roster anytime soon is starting pitcher Connor Overton.

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Overton will be out of action until at least mid-July. Simply put, a trip to the 60-day IL is in order for the right-hander, and that would open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Matt McLain.

Overton was handed one of the final spots in the Cincinnati Reds rotation earlier in the season. But it was painfully obvious that Overton was not up for the challenge. Overton was 0-1 through three starts this season and owned an atrocious 11.45 ERA. Last year's rookie landed on the 15-day IL on April 15th with a right elbow strain.

There's not time like the present to make the move to Matt McLain. The Reds could move Connor Overton to the 60-day, option either Jose Barrero or Kevin Newman to Triple-A Louisville, and roll with McLain as the team's everyday shortstop for the foreseeable future. Problem solved.