The extensive list of injuries to Cincinnati Reds players at the major league level made Edwin Arroyo’s shoulder injury last spring stand out even more. With the team’s performance faltering due to player losses, attention naturally shifted to the minors to identify potential replacements.
Typically, Arroyo would have been a key candidate. With Noelvi Marte suspended, Matt McLain re-injured, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand struggling after surgery, Cincinnati’s infield was in disarray. Arroyo, a notable acquisition from the Luis Castillo trade, was expected to excel in AA Chattanooga, working to reclaim his status as a top prospect in the Reds’ growing youth movement.
However, his left shoulder had other plans. During spring training in Goodyear, he tore the labrum while diving back to a base, leading to surgery and sidelining him for the entire season.
Good news, @Reds fans.
Edwin Arroyo is back.
MLB's No. 65 prospect is finding health, production and freedom in the Fall League: https://t.co/n8vkLL735d pic.twitter.com/8ddDHF5gv4
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 23, 2024
Fortunately, Arroyo is now participating in the Arizona Fall League, joining other Reds players on the road to recovery. Recently, he had a standout game with four hits for the Glendale Desert Dogs. MiLB.com’s Sam Dykstra spoke with Arroyo about his progress and recovery, revealing his candid thoughts on how the injury has affected him as a switch-hitter.
Despite missing a full season, Arroyo remains optimistic, and his on-field performance is showcasing why he was once regarded as a Top 50 overall prospect in baseball. His defensive skills have always been ready for the majors, and as his swing returns to form, it seems likely the Reds will need to find a spot for him in their infield sooner rather than later—an encouraging dilemma to have.
