Three Things We Learned About the Cincinnati Reds This Weekend

The Cincinnati Reds are less than three weeks away from Opening Day and have already named their starter for the matchup with the Washington Nationals. While that is certainly the biggest thing from the Reds weekend, there were three other Reds items that stood out, all tied to health.

Nick Lodolo has increased velocity

Lodolo was given a clean bill of health last week and made his Cactus League debut on Sunday against the Guardians. His box score for the outing wasn’t nearly as important as the reports of his fastball velocity.

Last year, while he attempted to pitch through injuries before they claimed his season, Lodolo had an average fastball velocity around 93 MPH. He was closer to 96 MPH in his first game action of spring training. Players can say they’re healthy, managers can put them in the game, but their performance cannot hide the truth. This is no small update.

Increased velocity is a huge sign that Lodolo is healthy. He won't be ready for Opening Day and that's OK. Manager David Bell has said he’d be on track for an April 9 debut. He will be a huge part of a playoff campaign for the Reds, so long as he is healthy.

Matt McLain’s debut

Buried under the news of the weekend was the important return of McLain to the lineup. He played second base and got a few at-bats. He still has time to ramp up for Opening Day and will be slotted somewhere between 1-5 in the batting order. How his oblique responds to him playing in games is an important detail to keep track of moving forward.

McLain was named the every day second baseman at the outset of spring training. His importance to the Reds success cannot be overstated which means his absence, while the Reds can endure for a short time, will be detrimental.

He is also seen as one of the top leaders for this team. While not the most senior member of the roster, it is clear that he is looked to by the other players as someone of a captain-like position. The Reds need him for multiple reasons so his health is paramount.

Jonathan India played two games in three days, including one in left field.

India entered camp with an uncertain outlook on the season. McLain is the second baseman, the position India has played almost every inning of his major league career. How he would accumulate at-bats seemed in doubt. Now with Noelvi Marte suspended for 80 games, India has more of an apparent opportunity to play in games.

With that added opportunity comes a question, is it just for 80 games or more? These 80-plus games (depending on how long Marte needs to get up to speed from the suspension) will be a challenge for India to prove he can catch on at a new position while also being able to move around the field, as needed.

India has never professionally played in the outfield. His appearance in left field, and how he will adapt to the position, will go a long way to increasing his longevity in a Reds uniform.