Cincinnati Reds Announce Star Sophomore Undergoes Surgery

 The Cincinnati Reds came into spring training with a plethora of infield options at most positions. But that depth has been whittled down a bit, first by an 80-game suspension (Neolvi Marte), and now by a worst-case scenario unfolding for super sophomore second baseman Matt McLain. The team has announced that McLain underwent shoulder surgery this week and is out for the foreseeable future.

Matt McClain had surgery yesterday to address cartilage damage and repair the labrum in his left shoulder, per team president Nick Krall.

The Reds "hope to have him back this season."

McClain had 128 wRC+ and 3.2 fWAR in 89 games during his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/qeTPEEPR1h

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) March 27, 2024

McLain said he hurt the  shoulder during a Spring Training workout on March 18, saying he attempted to make a diving catch. At first it was thought to be a minor injury, but now, the Reds have gone so far as to say they "hope" to have him back this season. 

"An exact timeline is still TBD as it has a wide range of possibilities. We hope to have Matt back this season," said team president Nick Krall. 

The Reds learned the severity of McLain's injury after getting a second opinion on Monday in Los Angeles with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The surgery will address cartilage damage and repair the labrum in his left shoulder.

McLain's shoulder injury this spring opened the door for former Rookie of the Year Jonathan India to reclaim his spot as the starting second baseman and lead-off hitter for the Reds for Opening Day. Now, he'll apparently be staying there for much of the 2024 campaign.

McLain burst started the scene as a rookie last year batting .290 with a .357 on-base percentage and an OPS+ of 129. He finished 5th in the Rookie of the Year balloting.

Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports