Joey Votto and the Reds look to take advantage of the stumbling Brewers

The Cincinnati Reds (23-40) return home feeling better about themselves. After taking two of the three from the Diamondbacks in Arizona, the Redlegs captured their first winning season series over the D-backs since 2014 and completed a 3-3 road trip.

Following the Chicago Cubs' 10th consecutive loss yesterday, Cincinnati and the North Siders find themselves tied for fourth-place in the National League Central. Additionally, the Reds trail the Pittsburgh Pirates by only 2.5 games for third-place.

Before we get too excited and start dreaming about competing for the Wild Card, the Cincinnati Reds still sit 13 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the division. Only the Washington Nationals have a worse record in the senior circuit, but it's progress. Baby steps, Reds Country.

Joey Votto and the Reds welcome the Brewers to GABP.

Speaking of teams looking up at the Redbirds, the Milwaukee Brewers (35-30) are in the midst of a horrific slide as they've dropped eight of their last 10 contests to fall two games behind St. Louis. Additionally, the Brew Crew is just 3-11 to open the month of June.

How fast has the Brewers' slide in the division occurred? Rapidly. As recently as May 30th, Milwaukee had a four-game cushion in the NL Central. However, the reason for the recent change of fortunes is easy to find.

For a team built around quality starting pitching, injuries to two of their rotation stalwarts have sent the Brewers reeling. All-Stars Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff are both currently on the Injured List and it could be quite a while until the Milwaukee rotation returns to full strength.

Peralta was recently transferred to the 60-day IL as he battles a right shoulder strain. Don't look for him to take the mound before the beginning of August at the earliest. The prognosis is much better for Woodruff who will make a minor league rehab start tomorrow night as he recovers from a sprained ankle.

This will be the second of three appearances for the Brewers in the Queen City this season. Cincinnati took two of three at Great American Ball Park last month. However, Milwaukee owns a 4-2 advantage over the Reds to begin the 2022 campaign.