Key contributor returns as Reds look to crush Cardinals' fading playoff dreams

He's back. After exiting Sunday's series finale against the New York Mets and missing Monday's makeup game against the Atlanta Braves, Jonathan India is back in the Cincinnati Reds starting lineup and in his usually spot atop David Bell's lineup card.

India left Sunday's game in Queens during the sixth inning after wincing following a swing and miss. India was replaced by Amed Rosario at second base and was not in Monday's starting lineup against the Braves.

With India back for the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, left fielder Spencer Steer will move back down in the batting order and allow the former NL Rookie of the Year to return to the leadoff spot.

Jonathan India returns to Reds lineup as Cincy looks to crush Cardinals' fading playoff dreams

Following India will be shortstop Elly De La Cruz, catcher Tyler Stephenson, and centerfielder TJ Friedl. The aforementioned Steer will bat fifth and be followed by first baseman Ty France. Right fielder Jake Fraley, third baseman Santiago Espinal, and Rosario — who'll be the designated hitter —round out the Reds starting lineup on Monday night at St. Louis.

The Reds will send rookie hurler Rhett Lowder to the hill. The right-hander has been spectacular in his first two starts of the season, but is still looking for his first Major League win. Lowder hasn't allowed a single extra-base hit since being called up earlier this month and owns a sparkling 0.87 ERA.

Cincinnati will be looking to all but eliminate St. Louis from the postseason picture. The Cardinals are reeling, and according to FanGraphs, have a meager 0.6% chance of making it to the playoffs. If the Reds are able to win just one of the next three games, Cincinnati will take the season-series from St. Louis. The Reds are 6-4 against the Cardinals this season.

While Reds fans don't want to hear it, their team is also all but eliminated from the MLB Postseason. With that in mind, it's time to play spoiler. Taking the upcoming series against the Cardinals is a good place to start.

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