The Cincinnati Reds had an update on infielder Matt McLain after missing one spring training game.
Cincinnati Reds were concerned this week when second baseman Matt McLain missed a spring training game, raising questions about his availability just days before Opening Day. Fortunately for Cincinnati, the situation appears to be minor and short term.
McLain, who is expected to be a key piece of the Reds lineup this season, was held out of a recent exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Given how close the team is to the start of the regular season, any absence naturally draws attention, especially for a player coming off a bounce‑back spring.
The concern was quickly addressed with a positive update on Tuesday. As Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported, “McLain is not playing tonight in Milwaukee because he caught a bug that has been going around the Reds clubhouse. Doing pregame work and expected to play in tomorrow’s final exhibition before the season opens Thursday.” Cincinnati then announced its final spring training lineup on Tuesday, and McLain was included hitting second and playing second base.
That update is a major relief for the Reds, especially considering how dominant McLain has been throughout spring training. In 17 games, the 26‑year‑old has put together one of the most impressive performances in MLB, hitting .529 with a .571 on‑base percentage and 1.591 OPS. He has also added seven home runs and 16 RBIs, showcasing both power and consistency at the plate.
McLain’s strong spring comes at an important time in his career. After breaking out in 2023 with a fifth‑place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting, he followed it up with a disappointing 2025 season. Across 147 games last year, he hit just .220 with a .300 on‑base percentage and .643 OPS, numbers that fell well below expectations.
Part of that inconsistency can be traced back to the challenges he has faced in recent years. McLain missed the entire 2024 season due to a serious left shoulder injury that required surgery and a lengthy recovery. Now fully healthy, he appears to be regaining the form that made him such a promising young player.
Drafted in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft, McLain remains a central figure in Cincinnati’s long‑term plans. If he can carry his spring success into the regular season, the Reds offense could take a significant step forward.
With Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox quickly approaching on Thursday, all signs point to McLain being ready to go.