The Cincinnati Reds are enjoying what’s left of their All-Star break. Following the 90th MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio. Providing time for fans and analysts to take stock of the Reds season so far.

Outside of Cleveland, this year’s Midsummer Classic didn’t leave much to remember. New York Mets slugging phenom Pete Alonso won the Home Run Derby on Monday. Tuesday’s All Star Game itself wound up like the last seven editions. With the American League continuing their dominance in the Midsummer Classic. Beating a National League team that never led by a 4-3 final score.

Cincinnati was represented by two pitchers in this year’s All-Star Game. Luis Castillo struck out two batters in a scoreless fourth inning. Striking out Cleveland Indians star Carlos Santana on his home field to start the inning. He then struck out Boston Red Sox outfielder J.D. Martinez. The inning concluded with the Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman grounding out.

Sonny Gray, a late edition to the Midsummer classic, didn’t appear in the game. Having two pitchers represent the Reds highlights their improving pitching staff. A staff that currently has the second-best earned run average in the National League. Ranking third in Major League Baseball overall in that category. Castillo himself has the second-best ERA in Major League Baseball.

Pitching is perhaps the most noteable area where the Reds are improving. The Reds pitching staff was among baseball’s worst for much of the late 2010’s. Cincinnati’s team ERA was the second-worst in the National League in 2018. Now the biggest obstacle for Reds pitchers is an occassionally inconsistent offense. Before this year, the Reds were having the exact opposite problem.

Now, the Reds offense is struggling to score runs in the clutch consistently. Cincinnati has 368 runs scored so far this season. Led largely through Eugenio Suarez and Yasiel Puig. That is the second-lowest total in the National League. Ranking 28th out of 30 MLB teams overall this season.

The Reds scoring struggles don’t completely define the Reds offensive problems. However, it’s the biggest challenge that the Reds offense will need to overcome. Since it contributes directly to the Reds record. The Reds took a 41-46 record into the All-Star break. That’s better than where they were during the 2018 All-Star break; yet still under .500 and in last place in the NL Central.

Ultimately, this will be the most interesting second half of a Reds season since 2013. The Reds are only 4.5 games back of the division-leading Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati will also have important decisions to make before the July 31st trade deadline. All making it plausable that Reds game will still be compelling for many to watch or listen to in mid-August. Something that hasn’t been the case for many in years.