Thursday, August 07

CINCINNATI -- The Reds are almost at the final quarter point of the 2025 season, and despite the bad beats of the past few days -- the Speedway Classic travails and Nick Lodolo's blister both forcing back-to-back bullpen games -- they are still in the hunt for a National League Wild Card spot.

After Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Cubs, Cincinnati is three games behind the Padres and Mets for the final NL Wild Card berth. According to FanGraphs, as of Wednesday morning, the club has a 13.8% chance of making the postseason. The Reds have a shot at sweeping the series with a victory in Wednesday afternoon's finale at Chicago.

It's going to be a tough road ahead with the Reds' opponents the rest of the way. Based on opponents' winning percentage entering Wednesday, they have the third-toughest remaining schedule (.514) in the Major Leagues (only the Orioles and Rockies have it tougher). 

Regardless of their opponent, what would really help the Reds' chances down the stretch is a short absence for Lodolo and Hunter Greene's long-awaited return from the injured list. That and some more consistent punch of run support from the lineup. 

Over their final 47 games, 25 will be against opponents with records at or above .500. After the Reds depart the Windy City, here is what lies ahead.

At Pirates (Thurs-Sun): Pittsburgh is a last-place team but the Reds can't overlook the Pirates, who took two of three games the last time they went to PNC Park in May.

Vs. Phillies (Aug. 11-13): The Reds lost the series in Philadelphia last month and the NL East-leading Phillies improved at the Trade Deadline, especially with closer Jhoan Duran. 

Vs. Brewers (Aug. 15-17): No team in baseball has had the Reds' number more than first-place Milwaukee, which has won each of the last 12 series against them and 16 of the last 18. And oh yeah, the Brewers currently have the best record in baseball.

At Angels (Aug. 18-20): The Reds are 23-16 vs. AL teams this season but it's never easy going to the West Coast. The Angels are still on the edge of the Wild Card picture, too.

At Diamondbacks (Aug. 22-24): Cincinnati swept Arizona in three games at home June 6-8. The D-backs were among the big sellers at the Deadline after fading in the race.

At Dodgers (Aug. 25-27): The Reds dropped two of three to the Dodgers at home just before the Deadline. Leading the NL West, Los Angeles has a superb home record and a superstar-laden lineup.

Vs. Cardinals (Aug. 29-31): The two teams split a four-game series in Cincinnati back in April and St. Louis took two of three at Busch Stadium in June. The Cardinals did deal closer Ryan Helsley among their selling moves for their rebuild. 

Vs. Blue Jays (Sept. 1-3): Toronto leads the AL East and got better at the Deadline with the additions of starter Shane Bieber and reliever Seranthony Domínguez, among others.

Vs. Mets (Sept. 5-7): The Reds came out of the All-Star break by taking two of three games at Citi Field and looked very strong doing it. New York is challenging the Phillies for the NL East lead while also currently holding one of the Wild Card spots.

At Padres (Sept. 8-10): No team did more to improve itself than San Diego, which made five trades that involved 22 players before the Deadline. The biggest addition was reliever Mason Miller from the A's. The Padres are currently directly ahead of the Reds. If that is still the case next month, this will be a huge series.

At Athletics (Sept. 12-14): It will be the Reds' first foray into West Sacramento to play a last-place team in the A's.

At Cardinals (Sept. 15-17): As mentioned, the Reds didn't win the series last time in St. Louis. Cincinnati is also 13-15 vs. its division rivals so far this season and could need to improve that mark down the stretch.

Vs. Cubs (Sept. 18-21): When the Cubs last visited Cincinnati in May, they took two of three games while scoring double-digit runs in both of their wins.

Vs. Pirates (Sept. 23-25): Here is a last chance to pile up what could be three pivotal wins against an out-of-contention opponent. 

At Brewers (Sept. 26-28): The Reds' nemesis could be what stands between them and October playoff baseball.

Center fielder TJ Friedl was named Tuesday as the Reds’ winner of the 2025 Heart and Hustle Award. Presented by the MLB Players Alumni Association for the last 20 years, the award is presented to active players that "exemplify a true passion for the game and who best embody the values, spirit, and tradition of the game." 

The Heart and Hustle Award is the only award voted on by former players. Each team's winner is chosen by a committee of alumni. The overall winner -- which will be announced in November on MLB Network, is chosen from the pool of team winners by a combination of alumni and fan votes.

Not only do the Reds have a key home series vs. the Phillies next week, Great American Ball Park will be hosting two postgame concerts on Monday and Wednesday.

On Monday after the 6:10 p.m. ET game vs. Philadelphia, the iconic Snoop Dogg will be performing live on the field. Two nights later on Wednesday following the 5:10 p.m. game, the band Train will take the stage. Both shows are included with game ticket admission.

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