The star second baseman hasn’t played this season due to a shoulder injury.
CINCINNATI — Reds second baseman Matt McLain is hopeful he’ll be able to return to the lineup in August.
The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Charlie Goldsmith caught up with McLain on Friday as he rejoined his teammates for their 10-game west coast swing
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“Whenever it’s ready, it’s ready,” McLain said. “There’s a timeline for everything. Dr. (Neal) Elattrache told me the timeline could be this, but the shoulder could heal faster or slower. August would be a great goal.”
McLain underwent successful surgery to repair his left labrum two days before the 2024 season opener against the Washington Nationals. He suffered the shoulder injury while diving for a ground ball in practice.
Six weeks removed from surgery, McLain has now been cleared to run and throw. He’s still another six weeks away from being able to swing a bat.
“I’m in as good of a spot as I can be right now,” McLain said. “You never know with these longer-term injuries how the rehab is going to go. Right now, I’m in a great spot.”
McLain is no stranger to the rehab process. His All-Star caliber rookie campaign was cut short last year after he suffered a Grade 2 strain of his oblique.
He’s also dealt with setbacks. As McLain was rehabbing to join the Reds for their final playoff push in September last year, he aggravated the oblique and was shutdown for the season.
