MRI shows healed hamstring for India

CINCINNATI -- An MRI taken on Monday morning not only showed that Jonathan India’s right hamstring had finally healed, but it also provided sweet relief for the Reds second baseman, who will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

“This morning, it was amazing,” India said. “I called my Dad -- it was a good feeling for sure.”

India, the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year, has played in only four games since April 15 between two IL stints. The 25-year-old is batting .295/.311/.341 in 11 games.

As he reached late May, India felt 100 percent and was doing all of his hitting, fielding and running on the field at full intensity. But an MRI taken then showed he hadn’t fully healed, meaning it would be between 10 days and two weeks before he could begin a rehab assignment.

That extended timeline stunned India at the time and left him disappointed.

“It’s the longest I’ve ever been hurt with an injury -- a serious injury,” India said. “But I did understand it. I understood why I was sitting out for that long. This is a serious injury where it can come back at the end of your career. You never know when it will come back. I’m glad I took the time to get where I’m at; I’m good to go now.”

Since India has been out, the Reds have primarily used Brandon Drury and Matt Reynolds at second base. Both players have performed well and Drury leads the team in home runs.

India hit 21 homers with 69 RBIs last season and was a dynamic leadoff hitter for Cincinnati. He will use his time at Louisville to get back up to game speed.

“When you’re practicing, you’re not really working on the speed and game intensity,” India said. “My intensity is pretty high when I’m out there. I did some things during practice to kind of imitate a little, but it’s not enough. When you get on the field, it’s a different feeling. That’s what I’m looking forward to, getting back to game speed, my body at game speed and see the ball again.”

The Reds also learned that infielder Donovan Solano, who has been out all season with a left hamstring strain, was also cleared to go to Louisville after an MRI showed he healed as well. Solano was injured during Spring Training, but has endured setbacks in his recovery and needed a platelet-rich plasma injection.

“Finally -- to start my rehab, my Spring Training, to put my body in shape and everything like that to come back to the team as soon as possible,” Solano said. “I think it’s the start of my season, the start of my journey for this year.”

Solano will likely play more often at third base in Louisville, but will get some time at second base. Infielder Max Schrock, who is also on a rehab assignment, will move to get time in the outfield.

The Louisville portion of the journey for both India and Solano will be varied.

“Solano's going to need more. I would say Solano will need two to three weeks,” Reds manager David Bell said. “India -- we're going to be a little bit more open to him coming back sooner because he had part of the season already, but we're not going to rush it either.”

India could return when the Reds open a home series vs. the Brewers on June 17. First things first, though.

“I’ve been wanting to play for the past month,” India said. “I’m excited to get out there fully healthy and ready to go and get after it.”