Matt McLain
Breakdown
Performance
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May 23, 2026
Idle for Game 1
McLain isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against St. Louis.
Analysis
McLain will begin Saturday's festivities on the bench after going just 1-for-14 with five strikeouts during Cincinnati's last series against the Phillies. Spencer Steer will shift to second base in McLain's stead, opening up first base for Nathaniel Lowe.
May 20, 2026
Moves up order
McLain batted leadoff and went 0-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Phillies.
Analysis
McLain had spent a good portion of May in the bottom third of the order, but a productive 11-game stretch (1.067 OPS, three HR, 10 RBI) prompted manager Terry Francona to put him atop the order the last two games, once each against a lefty and righty. Although it didn't work out Tuesday, the manager has noodled around with various leadoff options after seemingly moving away from the slumping TJ Friedl. McLain was a staple and thrived in the upper third of the order when he first arrived to the big leagues in 2023.