Cincinnati Reds: Worst season since 2015 is on the line this weekend

The Cincinnati Reds are headed towards their worst season since 2015 if Jim Riggleman can’t rally the troops and win the final two games of 2018.

The Cincinnati Reds lost their 94th game of the season on Friday night, as they fell 4-6 at Great American Ball Park to the Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Reds can’t find a way to scratch out a series win over the Buccos this weekend, they will have lost the most games in a season since 2015 when Cincinnati lost 98 games.

It’s been a tough season, to say the least. But, does this season feel better or worse than the last two? Are the Reds, despite their record, gaining momentum or are they stuck in neutral?

While the record may not say so, and the lack of a permanent manager gives the feeling of inconsistency, the Cincinnati Reds have some positive momentum heading into the 2019 season.

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Scooter Gennett has emerged as a legitimate MVP-level talent. Eugenio Suarez had a breakout, All-Star season. Jared Hughes and David Hernandez helped to solidify the Reds bullpen. Michael Lorenzen looks to be the perfect candidate for a two-way player. And, Jesse Winker, before the injury, showed great patience and ability at the plate.

But, all of those positives cannot overshadow the negatives that are the Reds’ starting pitchers. Outside of Luis Castillo and Anthony DeSclafani, the Reds are void of talent within the organization when it comes to starting pitchers.

Sal Romano, Tyler Mahle, Cody Reed, Michael Lorenzen, and Lucas Sims all flashed their potential to be a starting pitcher at some point during the season. However, all five of them lacked consistency.

Then there’s the elephant in the room, Homer Bailey. Will the Reds really dump Bailey and his $28-million salary heading into next season? That may be, outside of who they hire to be the permanent manager, the most intriguing question during the offseason.

So, here we are. The Reds have two games left in the 2018 season and hanging in the balance is the ability to once again finish with a record of 68-94 (the same record the Reds have finished with the last two seasons).

If Cincinnati finishes with fewer wins than the last two years, it’s hard to see Jim Riggleman getting the permanent gig on the bench. It would just send the wrong message. The Cincinnati Reds get the ace of the Pirates staff, Jameson Taillon, today at GABP. First pitch is set for 4:10 PM ET.