Matt McLain Stats
- Height / Weight
- 5' 8" / 180 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 8/6/1999 (24)
- Experience
- 1
- College
- UCLA
Matt McLain Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Matt McLain News
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (shoulder) has been cleared to resume throwing and running. McLain might be able to start swinging a bat in six weeks, which he said would help determine a clearer timeline for his rehab. Both McLain and manager David Bell have also reaffirmed that the goal is for the infielder to return this season. The 24-year-old former top prospect is recuperating from left shoulder surgery and isn't expected to be available until August at the earliest, and whether or not he's worth stashing in redraft fantasy leagues probably hinges on where you're sitting in the standings as we near the quarter mark of the campaign. Keep an eye on Jonathan India, Cincy's everyday second baseman in McLain's absence, but the former National League Rookie of the Year is slashing a weak .210/.321/.303 with two home runs, 11 RBI, 12 runs scored, and three stolen bases over 140 trips to the plate (33 games) this season.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain (shoulder) is about a week away from a follow-up appointment with a doctor. The evaluation should allow the Reds to map out a clearer return timetable for McLain, who is recovering from March 26 left shoulder surgery. Manager David Bell said on April 1 that "there is a chance [McLain] gets back this year," so fantasy managers should still be prepared for the 24-year-old former top prospect to be sidelined through the All-Star break. With McLain on the shelf, former National League Rookie of the Year Jonathan India is operating as Cincy's everyday second baseman. India could heat up in a hurry, and over his last nine games, he's batting a strong .344 (11-for-32) with one home run, six RBI, three runs scored, one stolen base, and three walks.
Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said on Wednesday that "Matt McLain had successful surgery to address the cartilage damage and repair his labrum in his left shoulder. An exact timeline is still TBD as it has a wide range of possibilities. We hope to have Matt back this season." Even though the injury is to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, there's a fairly good chance we won't see the 24-year-old until the 2025 season, despite Krall's words. It's a tough blow for McLain after a very impressive debut in the big leagues for Cincy last year. Don't feel compelled to hang onto McLain in fantasy leagues if you have more pressing needs. McLain's injury now opens up the door for former National League Rookie of the Year, Jonathan India, to be the Reds' primary second baseman in 2024.
Batting Order
1 | Will Benson |
2 | Jake Fraley |
3 | Mike Ford |
4 | Spencer Steer |
5 | Jeimer Candelario |
6 | Conner Capel |
7 | Santiago Espinal |
8 | Luke Maile |
9 | Jacob Hurtubise |
Matt McLain Stats
Last 10 Games
Batting Order
1 | Will Benson |
2 | Jake Fraley |
3 | Mike Ford |
4 | Spencer Steer |
5 | Jeimer Candelario |
6 | Conner Capel |
7 | Santiago Espinal |
8 | Luke Maile |
9 | Jacob Hurtubise |
The Reds didn't lack exciting debuts in 2023, but 24-year-old Matt McLain surprised many by producing the best numbers of the bunch. He hit .290/.357/.507 with 16 HR and 14 SB in just 403 PAs for the Reds. McLain added 12 HR and 10 SB in 180 PAs at Triple-A last year, leaving fantasy managers salivating for an encore. Both the power and speed are legit. McLain impressed with his average airborne exit velocity (94.4 mph) and 10.8% rate of Brls/BBE, and his home park had a 131 park factor that led MLB per Statcast. McLain's 37.1 FB% was also a professional low, creating power upside if his FB% returns to its MiLB levels. Likewise, McLain posted a blazing 29 ft./sec Statcast Sprint Speed and 74% SB success rate in 2023, so he should keep the green light. The one knock on McLain is a .385 BABIP that masked a 28.5 K%, but that's not a huge concern. McLain's .256 xBA likely underestimates the impact his speed has on his grounders, while his 28.4% chase rate and 10.5 SwStr% suggest positive K% regression. McLain is expensive with an ADP of 62.03, but his five-category contributions with upside are more than worth the price.