McLain wasting no time producing for Cincy

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CINCINNATI -- Reds rookie shortstop Matt McLain has clearly hit the ground running when it comes to beginning his big league career.

McLain, who was called up from Triple-A Louisville for the first time on May 15, just had a 10-game hitting streak end on Friday vs. the Brewers. The streak included six multi-hit games. The 23-year-old was named last week's National League Player of the Week.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, McLain is the first Reds player to have a 10-game hitting streak within his first 15 Major League games since Dan Driessen in 1973. He's only the third Reds player since 1900 to produce at least 23 hits in his first 15 games -- joining Jay Bruce (23) in 2008 and** Chuck Aleno** (24) in 1941.

McLain, who was Cincinnati's first-round selection in 2021, is ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the organization and No. 90 overall by MLB Pipeline. Although he is not keen on talking about himself, we spoke on Friday about his time in the big leagues so far.

MLB.com: It seems like you've been comfortable in the big leagues from the get-go. What has made you so comfortable?

McLain: I think I am just trying to compete on every pitch. We're in a good spot as a team. I really just want to help the team win. That's all I am trying to do, give us the best chance to win and be consistent every day.

MLB.com: From the day you arrived to the Reds at Colorado, you've just handled it all in stride. Is that just how you are in your daily life?

McLain: I just try to stay level-headed and be the same person. This is something I've always dreamed of. It's an opportunity I always thought I'd get -- a chance to play in the big leagues. Now that I've gotten the opportunity, I just have fun and play hard and let the results fall.

MLB.com: What is your favorite Major League moment so far?

McLain: Playing at Fenway and Wrigley back-to-back was awesome.

MLB.com: What's it been like to be with the team at a time when it's competing for a chance at first place in the division?

McLain: One of the coolest things is the position we're in as a team right now. We have a good opportunity in front of us. We just have to keep playing hard and play to win.