Guaranteed to conclude April with less than six wins. A recent trend for the Cincinnati Reds continues this year. Through wrapping up the opening month of their season with a losing record.

Going into Friday, the Reds are 3-16 and in last place in the National League Central. Holding baseball’s worst record going into this weekend. With two games left in the opening month of this season. Emerging from April with a losing record is becoming an unfortunate norm for the team. The team hasn’t concluded April .500 or better since 2015.

The Reds wrapped up last April with a 12-13 record. Had it not been for a lousy start to the year from their bullpen. The Reds could’ve wrapped up last April with a winning record. Which could’ve given the Reds wiggle room later in the season. To qualify for the MLB Postseason despite the late season slide.

Cincinnati had a losing record in the opening months of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Emerging from the opening month of July with a 2-5 record. The Reds were 15-20 by the end of August. Later wrapping up the 2020 regular season 31-29 after a September rally. Helping them clinch a berth in an expanded postseason field.

This is how the Reds fared in April from 2019 back to 2013.

11-16 in April 2019

7-20 (3-15 before firing manager Bryan Price) in April 2018

11-13 in April 2017

9-15 in April 2016

11-11 in April 2015

12-14 in April 2014

15-13 in April 2013

Prior to the 2020 season, 2013 marked the last time the Reds had a winning record. Wrapping up the 2013 regular season with a 90-72 record. Making it to the postseason in Dusty Baker’s last year managing the Reds. Cincinnati went from that to finishing third and fourth in their division in 2014 and 2015. Following that up with four-consecutive seasons finishing last in the NL Central.

The Reds have gone through years where they get on a roll despite their April struggles. Heading into the All-Star break on a positive note in recent seasons. Only to fade back into their losing ways after the break. Last year, the Reds mostly had their act together from May through early August. Battling back into contention after their April setbacks.

Battling back into contention seems like a herculean task this year. Leads have been hard for the Reds to get and hold onto this year. During their 11-game losing streak snapped last Sunday. The Reds didn’t hold a lead through the end of 99 consecutive innings. Along with this, the Reds have also been beset by injuries.

These injuries range from Jonathan India to Tyler Stephenson fielding-wise. To Luis Castillo and Mike Minor pitching-wise. A poor start at the plate is also fueling the Reds April slump this year. There’s only one Reds player heading into Friday with a batting average above .300. Second baseman Mike Reynolds has a .667 batting average though three at bats. Shortstop Kyle Farmer’s .279 batting average is the best among everyday players so far. Several Reds have a batting average under .200 heading into Friday evening.

After two contending years, the Reds are a lethargic team heading into May. Despite efforts, they’re not pulling off successful comebacks. They don’t showcase a fighting spirit offensively or defensively. Meanwhile, fans are angered with the Reds’ front office. In ways not previously seen in the Reds’ Castellini ownership era. Due to offseason payroll shedding and responding to fan angst with metaphorical middle fingers. All while the Reds have a pathetic start to their season on the field.

That’s a ton of bad vibes for a team to handle nearly one month into the season.