MILWAUKEE – When it rains it pours for the Cincinnati Reds, even when they're playing under a roof in Milwaukee.
After tying a big-league record with a third-straight 1-0 loss Thursday, then getting slammed by a flu-like bug that sent their manager, a coach and at least one pitcher back to the hotel Friday to recuperate, the Reds lost their best hitter so far this season to hamstring tightness.
Matt McLain, the team leader in WAR and OPS seven games into the season, was a late scratch Friday night before the second game of a four-game series between the Reds and Brewers.
His status beyond Friday was not immediately clear. One team official suggested he might be available if needed as a pinch-hitter.
Joining the lineup in McLain's No. 2 spot in the order was Spencer Steer, as the designated hitter.
Santiago Espinal moved from third to second base to cover McLain's position, and Jeimer Candelario went from DH to third.
The Reds have gone 28 consecutive innings without scoring a run, their longest such drought since 2019 (30 innings).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds' Matt McLain (tight hamstring) scratched from lineup
