Reds’ unconventional offseason moves shows foresight after Matt McLain injury news
So, do you still think the Reds have too many infielders?
The Cincinnati Reds had too many infielders, it was the talk of the offseason. Before the Reds signed Jeimer Candelario to a three-year, $45 million contract, this was the story. The narrative then shifted to the Reds’ projected trade date for Jonathan India. Rather than sending the 26-year-old packing from Cincinnati, the team decided to avoid arbitration by signing India to a two-year contract.
Furthermore, despite criticism from the national media and fans alike for the team’s current 40-man roster’s overabundance of infielders, Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall was fully aware of what he was doing.It was disclosed on Tuesday that Matt McLain’s oblique taking swings during spring training became worse. The MRI came back clear, and McLain will take a step back from practice over the next five to seven days, according to Reds manager David Bell.
Reds’ unconventional offseason moves shows foresight after Matt McLain injury news
Before Reds supporters start beating the table and demanding that the team fire its whole training staff, realize that these kinds of injuries occur as players start to prepare for the season. Baseball players all throughout the league have lingering injuries from previous seasons that have hindered their progress this spring, and McLain is not the only one.
Near the end of August, McLain sustained an oblique strain that required him to be on the injured list for the rest of the season. McLain finished his rookie campaign with 16 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and an OPS of.864. McLain was expected to start at second base coming into camp, but India will also get some time at the keystone.
In fact, with McLain sidelined due to injury, it’s quite likely that India or Spencer Steer will start at second base for the Reds when they begin Cactus League play on Saturday. Josh Harrison, a non-roster invitee, and Jose Barrero are two other Reds players who are capable of fielding the position.
It’s fortunate that the Cincinnati Reds added Candelario this offseason, given that McLain is recuperating from an oblique ailment, India’s plantar fasciitis is reappearing, and Noelvi Marte slowed down because of a hamstring strain sustained in the offseason.