The Cincinnati Reds placed rookie infielder Matt McLain on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the team announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- McLain, 23, has been the Reds’ best offensive player this season and a lynchpin to the team’s success.
- He’s hitting .290/.357/.507 with 16 homers and 14 stolen bases through 89 games this season. His home run total is second only to fellow rookie Spencer Steer.
- While Jonathan India is still on the IL, the Reds have options at second base, including Steer and Nick Senzel. Both have also played the outfield.
- The Reds activated outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the seven-day concussion injured list, adding to the outfield depth if Steer or Senzel move to the infield.
The #Reds today activated from the 7-day concussion list OF Stuart Fairchild and placed IF Matt McLain (right oblique strain) on the 10-day injured list. pic.twitter.com/3r29nSb9It
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 28, 2023
Backstory
McLain was called up on May 15 and was immediately the team’s everyday shortstop. He and Elly De La Cruz swapped off at shortstop until India hit the IL and it solidified the team’s lineup with De La Cruz at shortstop and McLain at second.
The Reds’ first-round pick in 2021, McLain has been among the best rookies in the National League and perhaps the best on a Reds team loaded with rookie talent, including infielders De La Cruz, Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte, as well as starters Brandon Williamson and Andrew Abbott.
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(Photo: David Kohl / USA Today)
