The Cincinnati Reds face a pivotal challenge after this week’s All-Star break. With the task of keeping up the hot pace they had going into the break.

In recent years, the Reds tended to head into the All-Star break on a modestly good note. Though that was compared to the poor starts the Reds had in recent years. Only to fade off completely by the end of July. This year, the Reds are in a different place heading out of the All-Star break. The Reds are above .500 and in a hot pursuit of the National League Central division’s lead.

This adds even more importance to the Reds three-game series this weekend. As the Reds host the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds are four games behind the Brewers in second place. Cincinnati leaped past the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs in recent weeks. Accelerating the Cubs’ sudden crash heading into the All-Star break. At one point in recent weeks, the Cubs briefly led the division. In the heat of what was previously a tight battle with the Brewers.

The Reds went into the break winning three out of four in Milwaukee. Both teams are eager to make a good first impression after the break. Both are also looking to have a reset to a degree. The Brewers are hungry to avenge their losses last week. They are also hungry to avoid falling into a Cubs-like rut. After the Reds rocked Milwaukee closer Josh Hader twice in one weekend. While the Reds offense, a sore spot last year, came through in several clutch situations.

Cincinnati’s eager to assure fans that they are legitimate contenders this year. After spending much of May and June struggling to maintain a winning record. The Reds are looking to have the kind of second half they haven’t had since 2013. One that holds the attention of the Greater Cincinnati area. A half that Reds fans hope features a pennant chase instead of salary dumps.

One key issue for the Reds throughout this month is the July 30th trade deadline. The Reds are in a position where they aren’t going to be sellers. Though they don’t seem likely to be big spenders either. The one area where there’s a clear need for improvement is the bullpen. No Reds relief pitchers have an earned run average under four at the break. Contributing to Cincinnati being in the bottom half of the league in the team ERA category.

The bullpen could get a boost from Michael Lorenzen. He’s set to return this week; after missing the entire season so far due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the starting rotation is holding up well so far this season. Luis Castillo is finding his groove after a plain bad start to the season. Wade Miley is the breakout star of Cincinnati’s starting rotation. Sonny Gray is set to return from a stint on the injured list this Sunday. While Vladimir Gutierrez is having a good start to his MLB career.

Beyond pitching, the Reds are finding ways to fill some gaps in their lineup. Kyle Farmer is filling in well enough for Cincinnati at shortstop. Which was a position Reds fans and analysts felt the team needed to address last Winter. While Eugenio Suarez is delivering dazzling web gems after returning to third base. The Reds also continue to find ways to make do without Nick Senzel or Mike Moustakas. The Reds have a steady outfield featuring All-Star’s Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker. Two players the Reds would be foolish to consider trading this season.

The second half will be a pivotal stretch for some Reds. Manager David Bell is at the top of the list. He’s more than halfway through his third season as the Reds manager. So far, the Reds are playing at a pace where he’s likely to remain the manager in 2022. Even without a postseason berth, which could be complicated for the Reds unless they win the division. Due to a hot NL West division, which could produce three postseason teams. Finishing several games above .500 might be good enough for Bell to keep his job.

Ultimately, the Reds are in a good spot midway through July. There’s a sense of optimism surrounding this team. That optimism could be enhanced by consistently winning series. In a second half schedule featuring several opponents that currently lead their division. Including the Brewers, the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox. Beating those kinds of teams deeper in the summer. Just as they did just before the MLB All-Star Game; could bring September excitement back to Reds country.