Reds injury news goes from bad to worse following Matt McLain's MRI results

Everything seemed to be going along so great. The Cincinnati Reds were the darlings of the spring with all the experts, pundits, and talking heads praising Nick Krall's offseason additions. And then, BOOM! Out of nowhere, the Reds have been bitten the injury bug. Maybe it's the injury tarantula.

But this latest injury does not bode well for the Reds' outlook in 2024. Matt McLain is the latest victim. The Reds second baseman will miss some time after undergoing an MRI on his sore left shoulder. Mark Sheldon of MLB.com is reporting that findings have not been revealed, but it's possible McLain could open the season on IL.

According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds manger David Bell said that all options are on the table, including a potential surgery to repair whatever is going on with McLain's shoulder.

Reds injury news goes from bad to worse following Matt McLain's MRI results

McLain joins the growing list of Reds players who could miss Opening Day next Thursday in Cincinnati. Brandon Williamson, Alex Young, Ian Gibaut, and TJ Friedl are all ticketed to begin the year on IL. If McLain goes under the knife in the coming days, you can bet your bottom dollar that last year's rookie will miss a good chunk of time in 2024.

Losing Friedl was a big blow. The Reds centerfielder suffered a fractured wrist during a spring game last week and won't be reevaluated for another three to four weeks. In his absence, the Reds will rely on a combination of Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild in center field.

McLain was removed from the Reds lineup prior to Monday's game against the San Francisco Giants with shoulder soreness. The injury is said to have occurred during a team workout earlier this week. With McLain out of the lineup, Reds fans will probably see a lot of Jonathan India and Spencer Steer getting reps at second base.

Losing McLain and Friedl on top of Noelvi Marte's suspension essentially removes one-third of the Reds everyday lineup. The 2024 season was supposed to be Cincinnati's opportunity to return to the top of the NL Central Division, but the rash of injuries have certainly put a damper on the team's hopes heading into Opening Day.

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