When is Matt McLain Coming Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

Fantasy managers were excited to draft and roster Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain this season. McLain was coming off a strong rookie campaign, where he totaled 16 home runs, 50 RBI, 23 doubles, and 14 stolen bases behind an impressive .290 batting average. He did all that in just 89 games.

McLain also finished fifth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting last year and was set to be the Reds' everyday second baseman in 2024. However, it appears that won't be the case anymore after the 24-year-old injured his shoulder late in spring training.

How serious is McLain's shoulder injury? When is he coming back? Let's dive in and find out.

• Fantasy baseball injury reports
• Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
• Daily MLB starting lineups for fantasy baseball
• Fantasy baseball BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
• Fantasy baseball PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
• Who should I start? Fantasy baseball player comparisons
• Fantasy baseball closer depth charts, bullpens, saves
• Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards

Matt McLain Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

There's no doubt that McLain had a rough spring training. He suffered an oblique strain in February that kept him out for a couple of weeks. Then, when he returned to game action, he went 0-for-13 at the plate with seven strikeouts. Shortly after, though, the second baseman suffered a shoulder injury that ultimately ended his spring.

The Reds said that McLain suffered the shoulder injury trying to make a diving attempt in a workout on March 18. Despite the team remaining optimistic that it was only a minor issue, that didn't appear to be the case. On March 26, the 24-year-old infielder underwent shoulder surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder.

An update on Matt McLain: pic.twitter.com/j34SQIifKH

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 27, 2024

The surgery is not great news for McLain. While Cincinnati hasn't placed an official timeline on his return, he will begin the season on the 60-day injured list.

Matt McLain Fantasy Baseball Outlook

McLain's shoulder injury is tough news for any fantasy manager who spent a top-70 pick on him in drafts. He will miss at least the first two months of the season, but there's a good chance he will miss more than that.

If you drafted McLain in fantasy this year, the best thing to do is to slot him in one of your IL slots. He was likely one of your top seven picks in the draft, so don't drop him just yet. There's a strong possibility that he could make a difference for your team later in the year.

The #Reds today claimed RHP Yosver Zuleta off waivers from the Blue Jays and optioned him to Triple-A Louisville.

To make room on the 40-man roster, IF Matt McLain was transferred to the 60-day injured list. pic.twitter.com/YLH6Ayq6kO

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 28, 2024

Of course, the injury comes at a bad time for fantasy managers. However, until we hear more information about his timeline, it is best to keep him on your roster.

More Fantasy Baseball Analysis