The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of the most pivotal point of their season yet. Returning for their first homestand since the All-Star break. Several factors are making this such an important time.

Cincinnati’s schedule is one reason why this is a pivotal moment. The schedule features a plethora of divisional games over the next couple of weeks. Facing all of their divisonal opponents between the end of the All-Star break and July 31st. All but two of the seven series in that span are against National League Central opponents. With the Colorado Rockies being the Reds lone opponent outside of the division.

This is also a pivotal moment because of where the Reds are in the standings. Despite being seven games under .500, Cincinnati is still within reach of the division lead. Going into Thursday 7.5 games back of the division-leading Chicago Cubs. Being one game behind the fourth place Pittsburgh Pirates. This adds even more importance to every game between now and July 31st.

A third reason why this is a pivotal moment is the importance of avoiding a slump. The Reds have typically faded off after the All-Star break in recent years. Last year, the Reds went on a hot streak going into the All-Star break. Only to collapse back into typical and lackluster form after the break. Cincinnati will need to avoid a similar collapse this year to showcase real improvements.

Coinciding with this pivotal point is the trade deadline. The July 31st trade deadline is roughly two weeks away. Leaving the Reds with a key question to deal with. Whether the Reds are going to buy or sell this year. Especially since the Reds are still within reach of being above .500.

Also, Cincinnati has just one trade deadline to work with this year. Since the August waiver deadline was scrapped by Major League Baseball in the offseason. Luis Castillo stands out as the Reds player most teams want. With their approach to past trade deadlines in mind; the Reds would be absolutely foolish to trade him. Trading starting pitcher Tanner Roark would be a more rational move. He’s the lone Reds starter that will be a free agent this winter. After arriving from the Washington Nationals last winter.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati would be wise to stick with Yasiel Puig until the end of the season. Like Roark, he will be a free agent in the offseason. Unless they could get an All-Star caliber outfielder in return. Without that, the Reds would make the same mistake they made with Adam Duvall last year. Leaving the Reds without a dependable outfielder and potentially shattering momentum.

Cincinnati is already making a move, acquiring minor league pitcher Justin Grimm from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Grimm has previous experience in the major leagues. He was part of the Cubs bullpen from 2013-16, according to mlbtraderumors.com. He was also part of the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners’ pitching staffs. Grimm has a 4.98 earned run average in his major league career.

Ultimately, the phrase “Close but no cigar” could define the 2019 Reds. That phrase defines them record-wise at the moment. Cincinnati finds ways to get close to .500 or a chance to surge past fourth or fifth place in the standings. Only to fall back into practically the same spot they were days earlier. This month presents perhaps the most challenging opportunity to break that trend.