Reds fans' anxiety relieved after injury-riddled star returns to Arizona Fall League

Reds fans can breathe a sigh of relief after seeing Matt McLain return to Arizona Fall League action over the weekend. McLain was a late-scratch from the Glendale Desert Dogs game last Monday, and immediately, the Cincinnati Reds fanbase feared the worst.

Thankfully, however, it would seem that McLain is just fine. The Reds infielder looked a little rusty, going 0-for-3 in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Salt River Rafters. McLain was the only Reds player in that game, but his brother Sean McLain was in the Desert Dogs lineup as well.

Reds fans breathe sigh of relief after seeing Matt McLain back in Arizona Fall League action

Reds fans are understandably anxious about McLain's status heading into next season. After bursting onto the scene in 2023, McLain's 2024 season was over before it even began. The infielder suffered a shoulder injury during spring training that required surgery. After attempting to come back midway through last season, an oblique injury ended McLain's sophomore season without the 24-year-old ever swinging the bat.

McLain was arguably the Reds' best player during his rookie season, and it was painfully obvious how much he was missed during Cincinnati's 77-85 season that eventually saw David Bell lose his job. Reds fans are hopeful that McLain is back on the diamond in the spring when the team descends upon Goodyear, Arizona next February.

It's not yet known where new manager Terry Francona plans to deploy McLain in 2025. There are whispers that McLain could see time at both third base and center field in addition to second base.

The Reds sent McLain to the Arizona Fall League during the offseason in order to get in some work. McLain, along with Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Edwin Arroyo, and Connor Phillips are all hoping that the hard work they put in while in the desert helps them to find their was back to the big leagues in 2025.

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