Arizona Fall League Update: Matt McLain Starts in Center Field for Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are going to try McLain in center field.

Greg Kuffner | Oct 30, 2024

Aug 26, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds tried Matt McLain in center field on Tuesday in the Arizona Fall League.

McLain went 1-for-4 with his first home run of the fall and looked pretty comfortable out in center field. He had an outfield assist.

The 25-year-old did play some center field when he was in college at UCLA, but this is the first he's played out there in professional ball.

Jose Acuna started and gave up three runs on four hits over three innings of work. He struggled with his command, walking four. He added a strikeout.

Edwin Arroyo was the designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with a triple, a walk, one RBI, and one run scored.

Tyler Callihan started in left field and went 1-for-5 with one run scored.

Luis Mey continued his strong spring with a scoreless outing He has yet to allow a run this fall.

The Glendale Desert Dogs lost 7-4 and fell to 10-8 on the season. Watch highlights of the game below:

McLain fielded and threw a strike to a cutoff man on a medium/deep sac fly.

He CAN catch a flyball. That’s a plus when learning to play the outfield.#Reds pic.twitter.com/wWqijPfdBn
— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) October 29, 2024

Matt McLain crushes one to center for a home run.

102.1 mph EV, 431 feet#ATOBTTR pic.twitter.com/c4RoKQUhTQ
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) October 29, 2024

Good to see Edwin Arroyo having a nice day at the plate after a recent slide.

2 for 3 with this triple and a walk.

97 mph off the bat to score Callihan.#Reds #AFL pic.twitter.com/8p8o8JJFiS
— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) October 29, 2024