By MIKE ROBERTS
Unfortunately, it was a nightmarish week for the Cincinnati Reds, who were swept by the St. Louis Cardinals in three games before losing two out of three to the San Diego Padres. The Reds, after starting the year with a 20-11 record and sitting in first place in the National League Central at the start of May, now find themselves in last place with a not-so-fantastic 32-35 record. Even worse, the Reds currently trail the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 10 games.
It’s not time to hit the panic button just yet. But it’s getting closer. Here are three takeaways on the Reds from this past week.
The Reds Still Can’t Beat NL Central Teams
Last weekend’s sweep by St. Louis was the third straight by an NL Central for against the Reds, who have a a lousy 2-15 record versus their own division. Cincinnati is 0-4 against the Chicago Cubs, 1-5 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and 1-4 against the Cardinals. And that’s without meeting the first-place Brewers yet this season.
Yeah, that’s not good.
Bottom line: if the Reds do not figure out a way to beat teams in their division, they can kiss their playoff chances goodbye.
Bullpen Continues to Struggle
There are several reasons behind the Reds’ recent struggles. One of those reasons is the team’s disappointing relief corps. Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals is a prime example. The game started well as Matt McLain (.209 AVG., .678 OPS, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 10 SB) and Tyler Stephenson (.212 AVG., .654 OPS, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 0 SB ) homered to give Cincinnati a 2-0 lead. Yet, the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, allowing five runs in five innings.
The Reds’ bullpen pitched five innings in that game, allowing five runs. Chris Paddack (7.17 ERA) gave up three runs across two innings of work, then Sam Moll (2.89 ERA) was on the hook for two unearned runs — the difference in the game. Cincinnati also really misses Emilio Pagan, the slated closer who has been on the injured list for more than a month after hurting his hamstring.
Don’t Give Up on Sal Stewart
Sal Stewart (.254 AVG., .812 OPS, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 10 SB) got off to a red-hot start this season. However, the Reds’ rookie has cooled down — significantly in June, hitting just .206 through the first nine games of the month.
Stewart had a solid effort, though, against the Cardinals on Friday, contributing two hits and two RBI. Although Cincinnati lost that game 10-3, Stewart showed flashes of the superstar that he can become. Then he came up big on Tuesday night against the Padres, hitting a two-run homer in the 11th inning to give the Reds a 5-3 win and snap the team’s five-game losing streak.
If Stewart can get back to the level he was at earlier this season and form a dynamic duo with Elly De La Cruz (.280 AVG., .855 OPS, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 10 SB), who’s recovering from his hamstring injury, the Reds will have a better chance to get back on track in the division.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Reds will return home to play a pair of three-game series: first against the Arizona Diamondbacks, starting Friday; and then hosting the New York Mets, beginning on Monday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Friday, 6/12: 7:10 PM, Apple TV, Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) (5-2, 2.52 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) vs. Nick Lodolo (CIN) (2-1, 5.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP)
Saturday, 6/13: 4:10 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, Michael Soroka (ARI) (8-3, 3.28 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) vs. Rhett Lowder (CIN) (3-3, 5.01 ERA, 1.45 WHIP)
Sunday, 6/14: 1:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, Zac Gallen (ARI) (3-5, 5.32 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) vs. Andrew Abbott (CIN) (4-4, 4.10 ERA, 1.41 WHIP)
Monday, 6/15: 7:10 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, TBD (NYM) vs. TBD (CIN)
Tuesday, 6/16: 7:10 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, TBD (NYM) vs. TBD (CIN)
Wednesday, 6/17: 12:40 PM, Reds.TV/MLB.TV, TBD (NYM) vs. TBD (CIN)