Matt McLain is producing again but he's still missing the one thing Reds need most

Atlanta Braves v Cincinnati Reds | Justin Casterline/GettyImagesAfter missing the entire 2024 season due to left shoulder surgery, Matt McLain entered 2025 with a lot to prove. The Cincinnati Reds second baseman had to not only shake off the rust of a year-long absence but also re-establish himself as a cornerstone in a lineup desperate for production. And while the process hasn’t been seamless, there are finally signs that McLain is heating up at the perfect time.

McLain’s road back has been anything but linear. After a sluggish first half, his numbers are trending in the right direction. Since July 1, his batting average has climbed from .210 to .223, and in his last 15 games, he’s…