Terry Francona’s latest Reds lineup tweak could unlock best version of Matt McLain

Matt McLain has been shuffled up and down the Cincinnati Reds lineup since the 2026 season got underway, but had only hit leadoff once — at least until now. Reds manager Terry Francona filled out his lineup card ahead of his club's series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies and McLain's name is at the top.

This is the first time McLain will lead off in a game since April 3 against the Texas Rangers, and the Reds were facing a left-handed starter in MacKenzie Gore. McLain will be followed by Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer with JJ Bleday batting cleanup. Rounding out the rest of the Reds' batting order on Monday night will be Sal Stewart, Nathaniel Lowe, Tyler Stephenson, TJ Friedl, and Ke'Bryan Hayes.

This should certainly be seen as a vote of confidence in McLain's abilities, and given his production of late, Francona has every reason to believe in his second baseman right now. After a rough start to the season, McLain has hit much better since the calendar flipped to May, and is 12-for-44 (.324) in his last 11 games.

Matt McLain's surge allows Terry Francona shuffle the Reds lineup

McLain was supposed to be the Reds' No. 2 hitter behind Friedl when the season began. The former first-round pick was one of the best performers in all of baseball during spring training, and his Cactus League stats helped him earn a spot near the top of the Reds' batting order.

McLain posted a .509/.559/.981 slash line this spring, and Reds fans were expecting to see him use that performance as a springboard to big things in 2026. Unfortunately, he opened the season in a slump, and after just 33 games, Francona shoved McLain into the No. 9 hole.

The move had resulted in the desired effect — McLain has not only found his power, but he's not striking out near as much either. Since being bumped down in the batting order, the Reds' second baseman is slugging .545 with six extra-base hits, including three home runs, and has more walks (6) than punch outs (5).

If this works, it could greatly enhance the Reds' lineup. McLain has the skillset to be one of the team's best hitters, and he's proven it the last couple of weeks. Francona obviously believes in him, and now it's time for McLain to prove his skipper right.

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