McLain started at second base and went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Pirates.
McLain, who was activated from the 10-day injured list earlier in the day, singled in his first at-bat and scored on an Elly De La Cruz double. The Reds cleared a roster spot for McLain's return by optioning Edwin Arroyo. That, coupled with Spencer Steer's wrist injury, should create a path to regular plate appearances for McLain as the team's primary second baseman.