4 reasons why the Reds' playoff hopes are not dead with 8 games to play

4. The Brewers present a tough matchup for the Marlins.

Let's be objective, shall we? Of all the teams left in the chase for the NL Wild Card, the Miami Marlins are the biggest obstacle standing in the Reds' way.

Cincinnati and Miami each won three games during the head-to-head matchup this season, and the Marlins hold the tiebreaker based on their intradivision record. If the Reds and Marlins have identical record at the end of the season, Miami would go to the postseason while the Reds are sitting at home.

That brings us to this weekend's matchup between the Miami Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers. The Brew Crew are in firm control of the NL Central and could be crowned the division champs as soon as this weekend. As of Thursday afternoon, the Brewers' magic number was down to three.

But heading to the mound on Friday for Milwaukee will be Corbin Burnes. He'll be followed by Brandon Woodruff and then Freddy Peralta. In case you haven't watched much Brewers' baseball this season, those are three of the best pitchers in the NL.

It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities for the Beermakers to sweep the Fish which would greatly help the Cincinnati Reds chances down the stretch.

Despite the fact Milwaukee will have likely locked up the NL Central very soon, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Brewers continue to run those three out for the remainder of the season. If that holds true, Peralta would likely get the ball next Friday against the Cubs. That would also benefit the Reds.

Unfortunately, if the Cincinnati Reds do make into the postseason, they're likley to face that same trio of Burnes, Woodruff, and Peralta in the Wild Card Series. Cincinnati is also 3-10 versus Milwaukee this season. But all bets are off once the MLB Playoffs begin.