Reds betting big on struggling Matt McLain in bold lineup decision vs. Rangers

The Cincinnati Reds are on the road for their first series away from Great American Ball Park this season and will play three games against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Interestingly, TJ Friedl has been replaced atop the Reds' batting order, and Matt McLain will bay leadoff for Cincinnati.

The decision itself isn't overly surprising. The season is just six games old and manager Terry Francona is trying something different in order to jumpstart the offense. The Rangers are sending left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore to hill, so removing the left-handed hitting Friedl from the lineup seems like an appropriate move.

Matt McLain to bat leadoff for Reds vs. Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore

The biggest concern among Reds fans, however, is likely McLain's spot at the top of the order. After setting the world on fire during Cactus League play last month, McLain has struggled at the outset of his 2026 campaign. He was the darling of spring training, hitting .509 with a 1.540 OPS and seven home runs, but has yet to catch fire during the regular season with just two hits in his first 21 at-bats.

Following McLain in the Reds batting order will be Dane Myers who's replacing Friedl in center field. The next four spots in the Reds lineup are the status quo with Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, Eugenio Suárez, and Spencer Steer following the duo of McLain and Myers.

Tyler Stephenson will bat seventh in the lineup, and will be hanging the signs for Reds' starter Brady Singer to begin the game. Noelvi Marte and Ke'Bryan Hayes are occupying the final two spots in the Reds' lineup for Friday's opener against the Rangers.

Given Friedl's struggles at the beginning of the season, some fans may see this as a quasi-benching. In reality, however, Myers is a far superior defender and hits lefties well. Once Gore is removed from the game, it wouldn't be surprising to see Friedl find his way into the lineup as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement in left field.

McLain and Friedl aren't the only Reds players scuffling to begin the season. Steer, Hayes, and Marte have all struggled as well. The Cincinnati faithful are hopeful to see that change when the game gets underway later this afternoon.