Royals' Jonathan India: In left field for Cactus opener
Rotowire
India is starting in left field and batting leadoff Friday versus the Rangers in the Royals' Cactus League opener.
It was known that India would be getting reps in the outfield during camp, but it's interesting that his first start this spring is in left field. India has never played anywhere other than second base at the major-league level, and the keystone could still be his primary position this season. However, India getting starts in left field opens up second base for Michael Massey, who will start at that position Friday.
India (ankle) said Saturday that he has talked with the Royals about playing third base and left field in addition to second base, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
India has never fielded a position other than second base at the major-league level, though he served primarily as a third baseman in the minors back in 2019. Left field, on the other hand, will be a completely new experience for the 28-year-old, but he cited his athleticism as a reason to believe he'll succeed in the new role. The Royals will likely start India in left field several times during spring training, though it's unclear how often he will venture away from the keystone once the regular season begins.
The Royals acquired India (ankle) and Joey Wiemer in exchange for Brady Singer on Friday.
India enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Reds while serving as their primary second baseman. However, with Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back from injury, there was a projected playing time squeeze along Cincinnati's infield. India should immediately slot into the starting second base job with the Royals ahead of Michael Massey, and he could hit near the top of the order given his career .352 OBP.
Reds' Jonathan India: Gets cleanup surgery on ankle
Rotowire
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said Tuesday that India had surgery to "clean up" his ankle after the season ended, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
India's procedure is considered a minor one that will allow him to have a normal offseason and be ready for spring training. Nonetheless, the Reds have a number of underlying issues in the infield heading into 2025, including where to deploy India upon the return of Matt McLain, who missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery and then suffering a stress reaction to his rib cage.
