Heading into the season, the Reds have been loaded with younger infielders, however spring coaching has seen an infinite rash of dangerous luck that has depleted their depth. The most recent challenge could be an damage to center infielder Matt McLain. 

McLain, 24, hung out at each shortstop and second base final season and was slated to be the on a regular basis second baseman with Elly De La Cruz at brief right here in 2024. McLain is dealing, nonetheless, with a left shoulder damage. Supervisor David Bell stated Wednesday that McLain seemingly will not be prepared for Opening Day (via The Athletic) and even talked about that surgical procedure is a chance (via Cincinnati Enquirer). McLain is getting a second opinion earlier than a real path ahead is determined. 

McLain final season hit .290/.357/.507 (129 OPS+) with 23 doubles, 4 triples, 16 homers, 50 RBI, 65 runs, 14 steals and three.7 WAR in 89 video games, ending fifth in NL Rookie of the 12 months voting. 

Along with the McLain damage, the Reds have misplaced outfielder TJ Friedl to a fractured wrist and infielder Noelvi Marte to an 80-game PED suspension.

Late Wednesday, the Reds introduced that they had accomplished a commerce with the Blue Jays to usher in former All-Star infielder Santiago Espinal, which ought to assist with these depth points.

Espinal, 29, has performed second base, shortstop and third base on the big-league degree and was a 2022 All-Star for the Blue Jays. In 93 video games final season, he hit .248/.310/.335 (80 OPS+) with 14 doubles, two homers, 25 RBI, 30 runs and 0.5 WAR in 254 plate appearances. 

The Reds completed 82-80 final season, lacking the playoffs by two video games after shedding 100 in 2022. They will begin the 2024 season at residence towards the Nationals.