Reds 2B Matt McLain's MRI reveals 'something' in left shoulder, surgery an option
GOODYEAR, Arizona – Another day, another injury list move coming for a key Cincinnati Reds player. This time it involves middle infielder Matt McLain, who was the team's best player as a rookie for much of last season.
Reds manager David Bell said Wednesday that "something" was found in McLain's sore left shoulder after an MRI this week, enough that surgery could be an option.
The team has determined that McLain will join center fielder TJ Friedl on the IL to open the season, Bell said, and McLain was in the process late Wednesday of seeking a second medical opinion on the injury.
"There's a lot of different treatment options. It's his non-throwing shoulder. There's a lot of positives," Bell said. "But something was found where we have to at least discuss the different options."
McLain, who was shut down for a week early in camp because of oblique soreness, had hoped to get extra at-bats in minor-league games to try to make the opening roster before IL determination was made late in the day.
He hurt the shoulder on a diving play during infield practice.
"We're going to let the doctors sort through the information we have," Bell said. "I do know we're going to have to discuss some options as far as what treatment he gets. There's the potential – the potential – for surgery, but not necessarily. We've just got to get through letting the doctors sort it out."
The Reds are expected to have Jonathan India return to second base as the primary option to cover McLain's absence in the everyday lineup. Spencer Steer is another option. Both had been expected to play a lot of outfield this year but are natural infielders.
The Reds were expected to seek outside help to backfill the position(s). Steer was considered Elly De La Cruz's backup at shortstop, pending an addition, with McLain out and Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for PEDs.
Reds injuries begin to mount: Matt McLain joins TJ Friedl, Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson, Alex Young and Ian Gibaut
McLain is the sixth key member of the original projected opening roster to open on the IL, including Friedl (broken wrist), starting pitchers Nick Lodolo (leg) and Brandon Williamson (shoulder) and relievers Alex Young (back) and Ian Gibaut (forearm).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Matt McLain injury: Reds 2B faces possible shoulder surgery
