NEWS SPLAT: Reds 2B Matt McLain has shoulder surgery, out indefinitely….

Cincinnati Reds’ second baseman, Matt McLain, underwent shoulder surgery on Tuesday for his left shoulder and is currently without a set timeline for his return, as announced by the Reds on Wednesday.

The surgery aimed to repair his labrum and address cartilage damage. Manager David Bell stated last week that McLain, aged 24, would not be available for the start of the season. McLain, a first-round draft pick for the Reds in 2021, had an impressive rookie season in 2023, batting .290 with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 14 steals in 89 games, placing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He also dealt with a sore right oblique muscle during spring training.

Additionally, the Reds face challenges with third baseman Noelvi Marte receiving an 80-game suspension for a positive performance-enhancing substance test and center fielder T.J. Friedl sustaining a broken right wrist. Consequently, newcomers Jeimer Candelario and Jonathan India are expected to step up in the infield. The Reds are set to kick off their season against the Washington Nationals at home on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani expressed satisfaction with his performance and gratitude for the warm reception from Dodger Stadium’s crowd during Opening Day.

Despite the Dodgers securing a 7-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, Ohtani humorously noted his regret at not hitting a home run, unlike his teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who both homered in the game. Betts, Ohtani, and Freeman, forming a formidable trio at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup, have collectively made a significant impact in the team’s initial games of the season, combining for an impressive batting performance and driving in a substantial portion of the team’s runs.