GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds are bracing for the possibility of another key player being unavailable for the season opener — after second baseman Matt McLain’s recent injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

Reds manager David Bell told reporters on Wednesday that all options, including surgery, were under consideration by the club for treatment.

The 24-year-old McLain, who’s coming off a promising rookie season, is at least likely to be placed on the injured list.

He reported soreness in his left shoulder on Monday — after diving for a ball during a workout.

The Reds are also starting 2024 without third baseman Noelvi Marte, who will serve an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, and centerfielder T.J. Friedl, who broke his right wrist four days ago.

Newcomer Jeimer Candelario and 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India will likely have increased roles in the infield in the meantime.

The Reds open the season at home on March 28 against Washington.

McLain was Cincinnati’s first-round draft pick in 2021.

He batted .290 with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs and 14 steals in 89 games last year in his major league debut, finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.

He missed three weeks earlier in spring training with a sore right oblique muscle.

Blue Jays and Reds trade

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays acquired minor league right-hander Chris McElvain from the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday — in exchange for infielder Santiago Espinal.

McElvain, 23, went 5-5 with a 3.75 ERA in 23 games last season, including 19 starts, splitting time between two levels of Class-A.

A four-year veteran who represented Toronto in the 2022 All-Star game, Espinal hit .248 with two home runs and 25 RBIs in 88 games last season.

He hit .200 with no homers and six RBIs in 13 games this spring.

Espinal, 29, played second base, third base and shortstop last season.

He is set to earn $2,725,000 this season.

By trading Espinal, the Blue Jays appear set to include infielder Ernie Clement on their roster to begin the season.

Clement, who is out of options, hit .380 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 28 games with the team in 2023.