Behind The Box Score

With 75 games still sitting out there for the Reds in the second half, the Central division title/wild card spot is not out of reach, not at all. After the break is the most difficult part of the 75 games, by far. They have to play the Brewers for three, and on the road with the Dodgers for three, and go to Wrigley to end the first home stand after the dismal 2-5 road stand before the break.

The Reds unfortunately have failed to avoid the DL this year. Votto had a stay on the DL for almost a month, Edwin was on for 58 games, and Alex Gonzales has been on for about a month since wrist surgery. The pitching staff has had to deal with Edinson Volquez going on the DL, and he still has a long rehab stint to go through. Oh, did we mention Jay Bruce is out for up to two months with the fractured right wrist in the July 11th game against the Mets. Also, they ended the pre-All Star Break with a nice 3-7 record, and getting outscored 69-31 in those games.

But somehow, the Reds find themselves only 3 games under .500, and only 5 back in a very tight NL central. If Volquez and Gonzalez get healthy, and the clutch hits start to come through with more consistency, they have a chance to make a difference in the Central.

Facts:

• The schedule in the month of September is very favorable, so if they can stay in the chase until then, they have a real potential to sneak in. They play 8 games against Pittsburgh, and 3 more against teams that are below .500.
• In the 75 games left, they play 22 games against the last place teams in the NL divisions. (Pirates, Nationals, Padres)
• In addition, they play 37 of the 75 games against teams that are at or  below .500.
• The Reds are 37-0 when going into the ninth inning.