After missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn labrum in his shoulder, Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain made his return to the field in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) with the Glendale Desert Dogs. He joined the team on a taxi squad designation, which allows him to play only two games per week. Despite the limited action, McLain started strong, collecting two hits in each of his first two games, including three extra-base hits.
However, McLain experienced an unexpected 10-day gap in playing time after being a late scratch from the lineup on October 14th. No official explanation was provided, but it appears he was still working his way back into playing shape. When McLain returned to the field on October 26th, he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in a scheduled 7-inning game as part of the AFL’s triple-header format.
Although McLain’s performance in this game was less than ideal, his participation in the AFL offers a valuable opportunity for him to regain playing time and get back into form after a lengthy injury layoff. No other Reds prospects participated in the game for Glendale that day.
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