The injury news is largely good for Cincinnati Reds ' key players Matt McLain and Jake Fraley, according to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
McLain was scratched from Monday's spring training game with shoulder discomfort while Fraley exited the game after fouling a ball off himself.
Per Goldsmith:
David Bell said Matt McLain (shoulder) got checked up on by the doctor and they didn’t see anything concerning. Bell also confirmed Fraley got hit below the belt. He’s feeling better now, Bell said.
This is especially good news after the Reds have been dealt a tough hand this spring. Noelvi Marte, one of the top prospects in baseball and the anticipated third baseman for the team, is out 80 games because of a PED suspension. Furthermore, outfielder TJ Friedl just broke his wrist.
McLain was one of several exciting prospects to debut for the Reds during the 2023 season and he did not disappoint, hitting .290 over 365 at-bats. He also popped 16 homers and looks ready to help anchor down the middle of the Reds' infield for years to come. He should be locked in at second base alongside Elly De La Cruz (shortstop).
McLain is a former first-round pick of the Reds in the 2021 draft out of UCLA. He drove in 50 runs and stole 14 bases as well in 2023. He also posted a .357 on-base percentage.
The 28-year-old Fraley is headed into his sixth major league season with the Seattle Mariners and Reds. He hit .256 last year with 15 homers in 111 games.
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