Jonathan India, the infielder for the Cincinnati Reds, will be sidelined for several weeks due to a recurrence of a foot injury. According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, manager David Bell stated that India will not participate in spring games until around March 7 or 8. Although the injury makes it unlikely for him to worsen it, they are gradually increasing his workload in a controlled manner. During this time, he will engage in activities like live batting practices, allowing the team to manage his base running.
India’s recent foot injury appears to be a reoccurrence of his past struggles with plantar fasciitis. Despite winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2021, the 27-year-old’s performance has seen a decline in subsequent seasons. In 2021, he boasted a .269 batting average with 21 home runs and a .376 on-base percentage. However, his numbers dipped in 2022, playing only 103 games and hitting .249 with 10 homers. The trend continued in 2023, where he played 119 games, hitting .244 with a .338 on-base percentage and 17 home runs.
With the Reds having a surplus of infielders, India is expected to transition into more of a utility role this season. Alongside Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Jeimer Candelario, India may find himself playing first base or left field, in addition to his usual spot at second base.
With a roster brimming with young talent in the position player department, the Cincinnati Reds are expected to be a popular choice for a playoff berth this year. The team hasn’t made it to the playoffs since the COVID-shortened 2020 season when they were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves.
