An excellent rookie season for Reds infielder was brought to a sour end by an oblique strain. He didnt play after August 27, mi sing the final month as the Reds came up a little shy of the postseason. That injury is now behind him. McLain told reporters (including ) that he is working out and swinging without i sue. The 24-year-old said hes preparing for a defensive role at either middle infield position. McLain split his rookie year between those spots. He saw a little more action on the left side, playing 465 innings at shortstop and 296 at second base. As things stand, McLain projects as Cincinnatis starting shortstop. Arguably the most impre sive of the Reds strong rookie cla s, he cemented himself as an everyday player with a .290/.357/.507 slash through his first 89 MLB contests. Whether McLain sticks at shortstop likely depends on how Cincinnati proceeds with . The latters name has again come up in trade rumors since the offseason got underway. President of baseball operations Nick Krall somewhat on that po sibility, categorizing any openne s to dealing India more as general diligence than an indication theyre trying to subtract from an infield surplus. , , and Zach Collins Jersey are all options for the left side of the infield. De La Cruz and Marte can handle either shortstop or third base. Encarnacion-Strand might be better suited at first base; Steer has third base experience but could play a bat-first utility role between the corners and designated hitter. Its a strong collection of talent that allows the front office to consider swapping an infielder for pitching help even after the free agent additions of and . Marte hit a minor snag while playing in the Dominican Republic. Krall told reporters the 22-year-old strained a hamstring and will be shut down from finishing the winter ball season ( ). The i sue isnt expected to affect his readine s for Spring Training. Marte hit well following a late-season MLB debut, putting together a .316/.366/.456 showing in his first 35 big league games. In additional injury updates, Krall said pitchers and should be full-go for Spring Training ( ). The formers season was wrecked by recurring stre s reactions in his left tibia. He didnt pitch in the majors after May 6. Ashcraft sustained a stre s reaction in the big toe on his right foot. He underwent season-ending surgery in the middle of September. Nassir Little Jersey