Baseball can be a cruel game. Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon is living that reality right now.

A year ago, he was on a path that would lead him to his first All-Star Game. Sunday, in the Rockies’ 8-1 loss to Cincinnati, he didn’t start and didn’t play. Manager Bud Black hopes a short respite will lift McMahon out of his funk. McMahon had started all of the Rockies’ first 26 games.

The third baseman understands that he has been a big part of the problem in Colorado’s historically poor 4-23 start.

“I’ve got to start producing, got to start helping the team,” McMahon said late Saturday night after going 0 for 4 in the Rockies’ 6-4 loss to the Reds. “I can’t be in the three-hole, doing what I’m doing.”

What he’s done in his previous 14 games was next to nothing. He hit 2 for 50 (.040) with 10 walks and 25 strikeouts. His 36.4% K rate has led to 40 strikeouts, the most in the National League entering Sunday’s play.

At this point last season, McMahon was slashing .306/.386/.449 with three home runs and 14 RBIs with a K rate of 27%. Entering Sunday, he was slashing .160/.273/.255 with two homers and four RBIs.

When Rockies icon Charlie Blackmon retired at the end of last season, it was left to left-hander Kyle Freeland and McMahon to increase their leadership roles. Even though he’s struggling at the plate, McMahon relishes that role.

“I think I do a good job just showing up and being the same guy,” McMahon said. “There are a lot of things that (young players) don’t have their heads completely wrapped around on a daily basis. So I’m still trying to be there, to give them answers if they need help.

Roster shuffle.>> Before Sunday’s game, Colorado made several roster moves, including a trade with Texas to acquire veteran utility infielder Alan Trejo, who started at shortstop.

To make room on the 26-man roster, catcher Braxton Fulford was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. Also, oft-injured lefty reliever Lucas Gilbreath was designated for assignment to clear space for Trejo on the 40-man roster.