The Reds upcoming 13-game stretch will be the most challenging of the 2023 season

The Cincinnati Reds have been tested quite a bit already in 2023. The team has stuck it out while battling through injuries to key players including Nick Lodolo and Joey Votto.

The Reds have overcome adversity, and because of the underwhelming National League Central, Cincinnati sits within striking range of first place in the division. But the Reds haven't faced a 13-game stretch like the one they are about to face.

With the three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in the rearview mirror, the Reds kick off a daunting stretch by traveling to Fenway Park on Tuesday.

The Reds upcoming 13-game stretch will be the most challenging of the 2023 season.

The Cincinnati Reds will head to Boston to begin a three-game series with the Red Sox. The Reds are expected to see Brayan Bello (4.08 ERA), veteran left-hander James Paxton (3.60 ERA at home), and Chris Sale (3.86 ERA at home).

After that, the Reds will head back home for their second game in their new City Connect uniforms. Cincinnati will take on the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, led by their ace and 2021 Cy Young winner, Corbin Burnes. Burnes has struck out 34 Reds hitters in 27 innings over the last two seasons.

After the Brew Crew leave town, the Redlegs will be greeted by the likes of future Hall of Famers, Clayton Kershaw and Freddie Freeman, as the daunting Los Angeles Dodgers will travel to the Queen City

According to Spotrac, the Dodgers have a total active payroll of over $216-million compared to the Reds with just $91-million. This will be the definition of a David versus Goliath matchup.

The Reds will finish this insane 13-game stretch against the hot-hitting St. Louis Cardinals. After splitting the series with the Cards last week, the Reds will need to take 2 out of 3 from St. Louis in order to have a chance of a survivable stretch to start the month of June.

These 13 games could make or break the rest of the Reds season. If the club is able to come out of the fire with a winning record, Cincinnati's front office could deem themsleves contenders, call up their top prospects, and make a legitimate push toward the postseason.

If the NL Central stays within reach, the Cincinnati Reds could make a push, much like we saw from the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. The O's have one of the best records in baseball this season.