Cincinnati Reds: Three keys to a postseason pursuit

The Reds are just two games out of the final playoff spot.

The Cincinnati Reds trail the St. Louis Cardinals by 2.5 games for second-place in the National League Central, and are just two games back of the San Francisco Giants for the last Wild Card spot. Just like we all planned, right? Seriously though, Cincinnati has a real shot to overcome their horrid start and make their first postseason berth since 2013.

To think that the Reds are just a couple games out of the 2020 postseason is a bit surprising. Certainly, with the expanded playoffs from five teams to eight, Cincinnati’s chances for making a postseason run seemed inevitable before the 2020 season began. But early implosions from the bullpen and a lackluster offense of late has the Reds on the outside looking in.

However, there is hope, as the Cincinnati Reds just took 2-of-3 from the St. Louis Cardinals and are getting ready to welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to town for a four-game series. To say the upcoming series versus Pittsburgh is a “must’ win” would be an understatement. The Reds are battered and bruised, but still hold out hope for a last-minute surge.

There are just two weeks and 13 games remaining in the Reds 2020 regular season. If David Bell and his squad have any chance to make the postseason, the upcoming 10-game homestand holds the key to playing October baseball or staying home and sitting on the couch. What are the three keys to a Reds playoff run?

1. The Reds have to get healthy.

The Cincinnati Reds haven’t had their full complement of players on the field at the same time all season long. Before the season kicked off, starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani was placed on the 10-day injured list. Hey was soon followed by the likes of Mike Moustakas, Nick Senzel, Robert Stephenson, Wade Miley, and now, Sonny Gray.

On top of that list of players who’ve gone on the IL, Moustakas, Senzel, Matt Davidson and Joey Votto all missed time due to concerns over COVID-19 related symptoms. Moustakas missed a few games this past week after being hit by a pitch and, most recently, a bad back has shelved outfielder Jesse Winker.

There are signs of life, however, as Winker has yet to be placed on the injured list and it appears as though Senzel may return the lineup this week. Every team, especially during this pandemic-shortened season, has dealt with injuries, but Cincinnati has had a rash of injuries to players they can ill-afford to be without.

While the absence of Sonny Gray will certainly impact the team’s, the right-hander is hopeful to pitch again this season. The move to send Gray to the IL was retroactive to Friday, meaning the Reds can recall their ace as early as next Monday. It’d be nice to have all hands on deck next week when Cincinnati will battle the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins.

3. The schedule will have a tremendous impact on the Reds playoff chances.

While the Cincinnati Reds have not played up to the lofty expectations heaped upon them this season, the team is good enough to sweep the upcoming series against the hapless Pittsburgh Pirates. The Buccos visit for a doubleheader on Monday and two more games at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Following the Reds four-game series against the Pirates, Cincinnati will welcome the South Siders to town. Don’t look now, but the Chicago White Sox are leading the American League Central Division and will bring a very good pitching staff to the Queen City this coming week.

Chicago’s among the best in the AL in terms of ERA (3.53) and they’ve kept the ball in the yard, allowing just 44 homers on the season, the fewest in all of Major League Baseball. If the Reds are able to get at least 3-of-4 against the Pirates, the next series against the White Sox could make or break Cincinnati’s chances at making the postseason.

While Cincinnati will welcome Pittsburgh and Chicago this week, the St. Louis Cardinals will play five games in three days versus the Milwaukee Brewers. In fact, 10 of the Cardinals final 20 games will be against the Brew Crew. With both teams holding a slim edge over the Reds, these last two weeks will be fun to watch.

The Brewers also wrap up the Reds homestand when they visit next week for a three-game set. The Brewers will be coming off a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals, who despite being in the AL Central cellar, have won six straight games.

Games against the White Sox and Twins represent six of the Reds final 13 contest and the teams are a combined 16-4 recently. At this point in the season, if Cincinnati is the team we expected them to be before the season began, they have to win every series. Closing the season with a record of 9-4 would put the Reds at 30-30 on the season and may help them sneak into the playoffs.