October 29, 2024 3:02 PM : McLain is starting in center field Tuesday for the Glendale Desert Dogs during Arizona Fall League play, Doug Gray of RedlegNation.com reports.
Analysis: McLain has played only second base and shortstop in pro ball, and his first five starts in the AFL came at second base. However, the outfield isn't totally foreign to the 25-year-old, as center field was his primary position in his freshman season at UCLA and he also saw some action in the corner outfield spots during college summer ball. Whether the Reds will consider using McLain in the outfield some in 2025 isn't clear, but the versatility can't hurt, especially with the club having other middle-infield options. McLain missed the entire 2024 campaign following shoulder surgery and a subsequent stress reaction in his ribcage, but he's expected to enter spring training healthy.