Latest news with #MattMcLain
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'It's coming': Why Cincinnati Reds Matt McLain, Terry Francona predict slump buster for 2B
Nobody around Matt McLain has seen the Cincinnati Reds second baseman struggle this badly to hit a baseball. But McLain has. And, strangely, that's part of why he feels so sure he's about to fight his way out of a confounding slump that has lingered into June, been the biggest gut punch to the Reds' offensive plans so far this season and that led to a second day on the bench in six games as the Reds opened a big series against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers this week. Advertisement 'My freshman year at UCLA was tough,' said McLain, who turned down a chance to sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a 25th overall draft pick – then hit .203 with a .276 on-base percentage as a teenager without the experience or confidence to fix what broke. 'I was so young. Right out of high school,' he said. 'That was different. That was worse than now. Matt McLain has struggled greatly offensively and was not in the starting lineup for the second time in six games against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, June 2. McLain carried a 1-for-18 streak into the homestand. 'So I've used that in this case.' Mostly that means he keeps playing, fighting, playing well in the field as one of the Reds' best defenders, running smart on the bases when he gets there and trying to contribute in ways as small and basic as seeing enough pitches in an at-bat that it might help the next guy. Advertisement It may not mean much to Reds fans tired of watching the .175 hitting and 31% strikeout rate. But the approach (and fielding ability) has helped keep him in the lineup most days, even as he was dropped from second in the order to ninth, even during a 1-for-18 stretch to finish the recent road trip. 'He plays the game. His emotions never change,' manager Terry Francona said. 'I fall back on, he's a good player. 'He's going to get hot. I'm surprised it hasn't happened yet, but it will.' Matt McLain, here tagging out the Cubs' Kyle Tucker on a steal attempt June 1, has continued to be one of the team's best defensive players despite his offensive struggles. McLain, 25, talks just as confidently about where his season is headed. That short swing with pop that made him the Reds' best player in 2023 after he broke in mid-May suggests they might be right, especially given some of the peripheral stats that show a hard-contact rate even slightly better than his rookie year and a higher walk rate. Advertisement But for now, two facts are indisputable: One, McLain has played just 140 big-league games in his life after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury, a small enough sample to suggest nobody can be sure what direction he goes from here – or at least how long it might take him to regain productive form. Two, his extended slump as a key part of the Reds' plans and optimism coming into the season has been a drag on a lineup that has been wildly inconsistent this season, including having been shut out nine times (tied with Pirates for most in NL). 'We're always watching and trying to do the best we can for everybody,' Francona said. 'That's why we're here. Advertisement 'The way he plays second base certainly helps,' added the manager, who also gave McLain a mental blow Tuesday in Kansas City. 'You just try to do what's right, man.' If there's one more indisputable fact, it's that McLain doesn't short the team on work ethic as he tries to find himself at the plate again. He also doesn't try to blame all that time away from the game rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder last year. 'I think it has something to do with it. But I don't like using that excuse,' he said. 'Because if you were to ask me to start the year, everyone would have been, like, 'No.' ' In fact, team officials looked at McLain's health in the fall and his performance this spring and expressed confidence that his return amounted to an off-season acquisition. Advertisement 'Obviously, McLain is a huge part of this, and if he's healthy, that's probably as big an impact as you could hope for,' general manager Brad Meador said near the end of spring training. After all, this is a hitter drafted 17th overall out of UCLA by the Reds in 2021, 10 spots ahead of Jackson Merrill, and who was not only their best hitter in 2023 (.290, .864 OPS in a three-month debut) but he also was their best shortstop that season. 'Sometimes you just struggle,' said McLain, who draws encouragement from the peripherals and stays focused on his approach as he struggles get back to where he was as a rookie. 'Just trying to be more aggressive to my pitch earlier in the counts and when I do swing make contact,' he said. 'We've done the whole swing (analysis). It's similar.' Advertisement If there's a specific part about missing all of last year that McLain says might have made a difference, it's the feel. Just the value of getting back on the field at all, even if just for the final week or two of the season. 'You do forget what it's like to go out there every single day and get after it,' he said. 'It's fun. I love it. But last year I'm like, 'Dang, I wish I could have come back and played the last month to just feel that. And take it into this year.' He does say that after two months of being back on the field this year, he feels signs of Francona's vision for a breakout. 'It's coming,' he said. 'I didn't feel that my freshman year at UCLA. 'I do now. Yeah, it's coming.' This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why Cincinnati Reds' Matt McLain believes breakout from slump is close
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Pink socks, pink bats, and breast cancer awareness'- Here's how MLB is celebrating Mother's Day
As the world celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday, in the baseball world as well, players, their teams, and fans were too excited to see what was in store for their moms. At least 30 of the Major League Baseball (MLB) teams celebrated moms, and along with their celebrations, also focused on helping and raising awareness about breast cancer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now How did MLB celebrate Mother's Day? As part of MLB's effort to support important causes through a program called MLB Together , during the game played on Sunday, there were special activities planned in every stadium. A video honoring mothers was also played at each game. Along with the celebrations, players and coaches also wore pink clothes, like socks, wristbands, and batting gloves. A few players decided to use pink custom bats to support the cause. Players also attached pink ribbons on their jerseys, as a sign offering support for breast cancer awareness . The bases and lineup cards used in the games will also have special Mother's Day and breast cancer symbols to remind fans of the reason for the celebration. Through this day, MLB is thanking moms and helping people learn more about breast cancer. The pink bat tradition is pretty old in the MLB. It was started in 2006. This tradition is celebrated every year, on Mother's Day. Reds' Matt McLain remembers his mother's day gift Mother's Day was beautiful and memorable for Cincinnati Reds ' Matt McLain, as it was on this very day, in 2023, when he made his Major League debut. The 25-year-old shared the sweet moment with his mom, Wendi, who has always supported his baseball dreams. Her help and love, along with his dad's, played a big role in his journey to the MLB. Also Read:
USA Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Matt McLain Player Props: April 21, Reds vs. Marlins
Matt McLain Player Props: April 21, Reds vs. Marlins Matt McLain and the Cincinnati Reds will play Max Meyer and the Miami Marlins on Monday at 6:40 PM ET on FDSFL and FDSOH. McLain had two hits in his previous game, going 2-for-5 with an RBI. Find odds, stats, and more below to make your Matt McLain player prop bets. McLain is batting .204 with a double, four home runs and nine walks. Watch tonight's Reds game on Fubo! Matt McLain Prop Bets and Odds Hits Prop: 0.5 hits (Over odds: -167) 0.5 hits (Over odds: -167) Home Runs Prop: 0.5 home runs (Over odds: +725) 0.5 home runs (Over odds: +725) RBI Prop: 0.5 RBI (Over odds: +250) 0.5 RBI (Over odds: +250) Runs Prop: 0.5 runs (Over odds: +115) 0.5 runs (Over odds: +115) Total Bases Prop: 0.5 total bases (Over odds: -175) 0.5 total bases (Over odds: -175) Stolen Bases Prop: 0.5 stolen bases (Over odds: +375) How to Watch Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlins Matchup: Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlins Time: 6:40 PM ET 6:40 PM ET Date: Monday, April 21, 2025 Monday, April 21, 2025 TV Channel: FDSFL and FDSOH FDSFL and FDSOH Live Stream: Fubo (Watch now! - Regional restrictions may apply) Matt McLain vs. Max Meyer Matt McLain prop bet insights McLain has a hit in 50.0% of his 14 games this year, with multiple base knocks in 21.4% of them (three). He has homered in 28.6% of his games in 2025 (four of 14), 6.8% of his trips to the dish. In 42.9% of his games this season (six of 14), McLain has touched home plate at least one time, and in five of those games (35.7%) he recorded two or more runs scored. He has picked up at least one RBI in six of 14 games played this season (42.9%), including two games with multiple RBI. In 78.6% of his 14 games this season, McLain has gone down on strikes (11 times). He's also had four games with multiple punchouts in 2025 (28.6%). MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 1:25 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Matt McLain stats against the Marlins Marlins starter: Max Meyer
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Matt McLain Player Props: April 19, Reds vs. Orioles
Matt McLain Player Props: April 19, Reds vs. Orioles After he picked up three RBIs in his last game (a home run and a walk), Matt McLain and the Cincinnati Reds will see Brandon Young starting for the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday at 4:05 PM ET on MASN2 and FDSOH. Find odds, stats, and more below to make your Matt McLain player prop bets. McLain has a team-best four homers (he's added nine RBI). Watch tonight's Reds game on Fubo! Matt McLain Prop Bets and Odds Hits Prop: 0.5 hits (Over odds: -208) 0.5 hits (Over odds: -208) Home Runs Prop: 0.5 home runs (Over odds: +625) 0.5 home runs (Over odds: +625) RBI Prop: 0.5 RBI (Over odds: +200) 0.5 RBI (Over odds: +200) Runs Prop: 0.5 runs (Over odds: -118) 0.5 runs (Over odds: -118) Total Bases Prop: 1.5 total bases (Over odds: +135) 1.5 total bases (Over odds: +135) Stolen Bases Prop: 0.5 stolen bases (Over odds: +240) How to Watch Cincinnati Reds vs. Baltimore Orioles Matchup: Cincinnati Reds vs. Baltimore Orioles Cincinnati Reds vs. Baltimore Orioles Time: 4:05 PM ET 4:05 PM ET Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025 Saturday, April 19, 2025 TV Channel: MASN2 and FDSOH MASN2 and FDSOH Live Stream: Fubo (Watch now! - Regional restrictions may apply) Matt McLain vs. Brandon Young Matt McLain prop bet insights In six of 12 games this year (50.0%), McLain has reached via hit, including two multi-hit efforts. In 33.3% of his games this season, he has hit a home run (four of 12). During the 2025 campaign, he's taken the pitcher deep in 8.5% of his trips to the dish. McLain has touched home plate at least one time five times this year in 12 games played (41.7%), including four times scoring multiple runs (33.3%). He has plated at least one run in five of 12 games played this season (41.7%), including two games with multiple RBI. McLain has been set down on strikes at least once nine times this season in 12 games played (75.0%), including three times striking out multiple times (25.0%). MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 1:25 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Matt McLain stats against the Orioles Orioles starter: Brandon Young
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cincinnati Reds at Baltimore Orioles odds, picks and predictions
Cincinnati Reds at Baltimore Orioles odds, picks and predictions The Cincinnati Reds (10-10) and Baltimore Orioles (8-11) play the middle game of their 3-game set Saturday. First pitch from Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore is set for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Reds vs. Orioles odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets. Season series: Reds lead 1-0 The Reds dominated the Orioles in Friday's series opener, cruising to an 8-3 win in Baltimore as a +148 road underdog. Cincinnati's offense exploded behind 3-run homers from 2B Matt McLain and SS Elly De La Cruz, along with a solo blast from 1B Jeimer Candelario. SP Andrew Abbott was outstanding, allowing just 1 earned run over 6 innings while striking out 11 in the victory. Baltimore's offense sputtered in Friday's loss to Cincinnati, managing just 4 hits - though 2 were home runs from OF Cedric Mullins and OF Heston Kjerstad. SP Cade Povich struggled on the mound, giving up 7 earned runs over just 3 1/3 innings. The rough outing helped push the total Over 9, cashing with ease in the series opener. Reds at Orioles projected starters RHP Hunter Greene vs. RHP Brandon Young Greene (2-1, 0.98 ERA) makes his fifth start. He has a 0.58 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 10.1 K/9 in 27 2/3 innings. Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 4-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday Only start vs. Orioles: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 5 K in 4-3 home loss May 3 Young is making his MLB debut. He's 1-1 with a 2.76 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 in 16 1/3 innings for the AAA Norfolk Tides. Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 6 K in a 6-1 home loss against the AAA Gwinnett Stripers April 12 His fastball sits in the 93-95 mph range. He utilizes a changeup against lefties and mixes in a slider and cutter. Win your fantasy baseball league with For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning! Reds at Orioles nickname odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET. Moneyline (ML) : Reds -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Orioles -110 (bet $110 to win $100) : Reds -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Orioles -110 (bet $110 to win $100) Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Reds -1.5 (+150) | Orioles +1.5 (-185) : Reds -1.5 (+150) | Orioles +1.5 (-185) Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105) Reds at Orioles nickname picks and predictions Prediction Reds 5, Orioles 2 PASS. I really like the Reds Saturday, which is why I'll take my bet to the run line to get the more favorable odds. BET REDS -1.5 (+150). Normally, getting the Orioles at plus money on the moneyline would be appealing - but not in this spot. Baltimore just hasn't been able to put it all together this season. When the pitching shows up, the bats go quiet, and when the offense clicks, the arms fall apart. They've dropped 5 of their last 8 and continue to look inconsistent. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has won 5 of its last 7 and has its ace on the mound Saturday. Greene has been dominant, giving up just 3 earned runs across 4 starts - including none in his last 2. He also held Baltimore scoreless over 5 2/3 innings in their only meeting last season. On the other side, the Orioles are sending out a pitcher making his MLB debut, who struggled in his most recent outing in Triple-A. With all that considered, I'm backing the Reds to handle business and grab another win. BET UNDER 9 (-110). Even though the Orioles have hit the Over in 5 of their last 6, I'm leaning toward the Under Saturday thanks to Greene. The Under has cashed in each of his last 3 starts, as he has allowed just 1 earned run over that stretch. He has been excellent at limiting baserunners, and with a total of 9, it feels like too much for one team to carry. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook. Head over to for fantasy baseball news. Subscribe now to dominate the competition.
