NL Central: McLain's heating up—and so are the Reds

Cincinnati Reds

If the season had started on June 1, the Cincinnati Reds would be leading the NL Central. They have gone 10-6 in June and one thing is clear with new manager Terry Francona at the helm: he's not afraid to tinker with the lineup.

While Matt McLain was off to an abysmal start to the season and his season-long slashline is still pretty dire at .197/.292/.325 in 261 plate appearances, he appears to be heating up in June. In 55 plate appearances this month he's slashing .271/.364/.417. Tito has not just been rewarded for sticking with McLain after he lost all of 2024 to a shoulder injury, he's looking to move McLain back up in the Reds lineup. Earlier this week McLain hit second, rather than ninth. And while he was back to...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

As the 2026 season winds down, these players are just getting started
Sep 18 2026 3:05am
The AL West has some interesting options for some new playing time heading into 2027.
Sep 17 2026 3:03am
A slugging Yohandy Morales tries to pound out a spot for himself on the 2026 Nationals and beyond. Plus: SS in ATL; bench in PHI; Marsee in MIA; Tong at NYM; more.
Sep 15 2026 10:05am
This week, we point out an under-the-radar option in L.A., welcome starting pitchers back to Arizona and San Diego, check in on a favorite of ours in Colorado, and take a closer look at the Giants' starting rotation.
Sep 12 2026 3:05am
A look at how free agency, potential call-ups, and other roster decisions might impact lineups, rotations, and bullpens for all five teams next year.
Sep 10 2026 3:05am

Tools