Reds unexpectedly reveal severity of Matt McLain’s injury and fans will be bummed

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain will miss the start of the 2024 season following shoulder surgery. After receiving a second opinion as to the severity of his injured shoulder, the Reds gave an update ahead of Opening Day, but an exact timeline for McLain's return is still unknown.

According to a statement from the Reds, McLain underwent successful surgery to address cartilage damage and repair his labrum in his left shoulder. This may not be the worst-case scenario, but it's definitely not good news.

McLain's injury update will undoubtedly affect how the Reds begin the 2024 season. There was optimism galore surrounding this year's club. From the national media to the Reds fanbase, the excitement throughout the city of Cincinnati was palpable. But this latest injury news certainly puts a damper on the start of the regular season.

Reds unexpectedly reveal severity of Matt McLain’s injury and fans will be bummed

McLain was set to be the Reds Opening Day second baseman when the season begins on Thursday. But that all took a turn for the worse in the waning days of spring training when the infielder suffered a shoulder injury during team workouts.

McLain missed the final few games of Cactus League play, and team officials saw something on the initial MRI that was concerning. Obviously Monday's appointment with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache revealed the extent of the damage.

Without McLain, and outfielder TJ Friedl on the Reds Opening Day roster, manager David Bell has some decisions to make. Who will be the Reds everyday second baseman? Who will be Cincinnati's leadoff hitter? Without McLain, the Reds going to scour the trade and/ or free agent market looking to upgrade the roster?

Cincinnati has a lot of infield depth, but Noelvi Marte will also miss the first 80 games of the 2024 season after testing positive for PEDs earlier this spring. Reds fans surely wish McLain a speedy recovery, and president of baseball operations Nick Krall said the team hopes to have McLain back sometime this season.

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