May 15, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Matt McLain Seeing Early Returns on Hitting Lower in the Cincinnati Reds Lineup

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI | By Jeff Carr | Last updated May 16, 2025 12:18 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona made the decision to move Matt McLain down in the batting order at the beginning of the Chicago White Sox series and it seems to have paid off, initially.

In the three games since being put in the 8th spot in the lineup, McLain has four hits in 11 at-bats. He has two doubles and a home run, in that time.

In fact, if you expand the sample size out to the last 12 games, McLain is slugging .428. That looks MUCH better than where has been to start the season.

Though the series was an abject disaster for the team, the three games against the White Sox may be where McLain turned his season around.

The Reds host the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night at 6:40 ET at Great American Ball Park.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Reds on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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