The Cincinnati Reds are in a prime position to secure their first playoff spot since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, leaving out the New York Mets, who have invested heavily in their roster. The Cincinnati victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and the Mets’ defeat to the Miami Marlins on Friday allowed the Reds to tie the Mets for the third and final National League wild card spot. The Reds have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Mets, whose $322.6 million budget at the start of the season led MLB. The Arizona Diamondbacks were eliminated from contention for that last wild card spot after their loss to the San Diego Padres.
Although Cincinnati hasn’t been more than seven games over .500 at any point this season and has a 15-18 record in their last 33 games, the Reds have played well enough to catch the Mets, who have lost 16 of their last 25 games. The Mets, who had a promising start with a 45-24 record on June 12, have had a less favorable performance with a 37-54 record since then.Obviously, I think we can start to feel it a little bit, but at the same time, we have to take care of our business. We haven’t arrived yet. We have to keep trying to win every pitch and take it one game at a time. We all know how quickly things can change.
Gavin Lux, Cincinnati left fielder
We have put ourselves in this position. Here we are. We have to come back tomorrow and the next day now. We have to win the next two and see what happens.
Carlos Mendoza, Mets managerThe Reds (82-78) are looking to make the playoffs in a non-pandemic season for the first time since 2013. They haven’t won a postseason game since 2012 and haven’t won a playoff series since 1995. It seems they could return to the postseason with the help of experienced players. Lux, a World Series ring winner with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and 2024, hit two doubles and scored the run that gave them the lead on Friday. Reds manager Terry Francona led the Boston Red Sox to the 2004 World Series championship and took Cleveland to Game 7 of the 2016 Fall Classic. Francona, 66 years old, took a sabbatical for health reasons before taking the Reds job this season.The Reds’ path to a rare postseason opportunity involves overcoming their recent nemesis. Cincinnati has lost each of its last 13 series against the Brewers. Ending that streak could catapult the Reds into the playoffs.This is the most exciting thing there is. Not admitting you’re nervous, I think that would be wrong. I’m very nervous.
Terry Francona, Reds managerIt would be the perfect time to do it. Season on the line, beat them, win against them and advance to the postseason by beating them. I feel like it’s been a while.
Tony Santillan, Reds reliever
