Matt’s Take: Next 10 games mean everything for the Reds

By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

In late June and with the trade deadline approaching faster and faster, the next 10 games for the Reds will decide whether this organization is leaning toward buying or selling.  

With guys returning soon, it is crucial that this team wins six games at minimum, but honestly, 8 out of 10 wins would go a long way in getting this team back in the race. If this team decides to fall apart over the next week and a half, expect to see some players hit the market.  

Over the next 10 games, Cincinnati has three home games against the Brewers, three away games against the Pirates, and four road games against the Brewers. If Cincinnati fails to beat divisional opponents, the countdown to football season and loss of baseball interest in the Queen City could come in a hurry.  

I’m hoping to see this team go on a run.  

Chase Burns – Cy Young candidate

It’s honestly a shame that the national media aren't giving more attention to the ace of the Cincinnati Reds. Chase Burns is outperforming nearly every pitcher in the National League in multiple categories as a rookie. He has allowed two or fewer runs in 12 straight starts, tied for the longest Reds' streak since 1900.  

He’s the main reason this team is even floating around .500 right now. I’ve never seen a rookie for the Reds look this dominant in my lifetime. He has a 9-1 record, 2.00 ERA, 102 strikeouts, 1.05 WHIP, and continues to shove for the Reds. He’s just 23 years young. Compare him to Paul Skenes and he is beating him in nearly every statistical category. He should be in the top three of the Cy Young race.

Elly De La Cruz – decisions to be made

With Elly De La Cruz returning this week, a hard decision has to be made on who gets optioned to make room for the best player on this team. It comes down to Will Benson, Matt McLain or Edwin Arroyo. I expect Will Benson to be sent down and believe this is the right move, as he is barely getting any time on the field right now. He’s been given his fair share, but JJ Bleday has been too good and at this time, Benson just hasn’t played well enough to need him, especially with how good Dunn has been and now Marte. I’ll be highly upset if this team sends down Arroyo, as he deserves to keep playing, and I hope to see him play more than McLain when Elly returns to action.  

Positive updates

Tony Santillan is starting to look like the old Tony, as he completed his first two-inning save and has been stellar over the last four appearances.
  
Sal Stewart is the fastest Reds' rookie (75 games) to reach 50+ RBI. That’s pretty good, don’t you think?

Hunter Greene threw a good outing in his rehab assignment, no runs given up, 6 strikeouts, and hit 101 MPH on his fastball. I can’t wait to see him back on the mound. 

Pierce Johnson will likely rejoin the Reds this week, as he pitched an inning in Louisville last week. 
 
Brandon Williamson threw his first bullpen and is progressing quickly to return to this team – likely in a bullpen role.  

Emilio Pagan faced live batters and is closer to returning from his hamstring injury.  

Cincinnati continues to own both the Mets and the Yankees. Big payrolls don’t always mean everything.