The Cincinnati Reds have been making history this month. Striving to continue their longest winning streak since 1957 this weekend. Here are a few thoughts about the Reds’ winning ways.

Joey Votto is back

One concern stuck out heading into Joey Votto’s season debut on Monday. How he would fit into the lineup and not mess with the team’s mojo. It’s an understandable but still somewhat baffling concern. Votto was in the loop while he was recovering from his shoulder injury. He spent much of his rehab in Cincinnati, hanging out with the team. Votto also spent time with the Triple-A Louisville Bats; as several Reds rookies worked their way up through the farm system. Plus, Votto provides veteran advice to a lineup full of rookies.

With all of that in mind, fitting in shouldn’t be a problem for Votto. This is a professional baseball team, not a junior high school. Reds teammates seem to have good chemistry with each other. Something the players and staff have taken time to build. Messing with the mojo was the bigger concern. Votto’s performance on Monday put many of those concerns aside. With a home run and what turned out to be the game winning hit.

Reds rookies are on a roll

Elly De La Cruz’s debut marked a turning point for the Reds. Cincinnati goes into Friday with a 13-2 record since De La Cruz debuted. However, De La Cruz is not the only difference making rookie. Matt McLain is making a decent case to be the rookie of the year. Though De La Cruz stands out as the favorite to win that honor in my view.

Spencer Steer is making the case to stay in the lineup. Even with Votto’s return earlier this week. Pitching-wise, Andrew Abbott is living up to the hype. Providing a boost to a starting rotation dealing with injuries. Not giving up a run in his first three starts.

The Reds have some good roster questions to ponder

Throughout this month, the Reds have faced some interesting questions regarding their roster. Mainly about who to send to the Louisville Bats. To make room for Elly De La Cruz and Joey Votto. Nick Senzel’s brief stint on the injury list paved the way for De La Cruz. The Reds designated Wil Myers for assignment. As a way for the Reds make room for Votto. The ways Cincinnati has responded to these questions showcases their roster’s increasing depth.

Cincinnati’s trio of catchers highlights this roster depth. Tyler Stephenson, Luke Maile and Curt Casali. Stephenson can rotate between being a catcher and designated hitter as needed. While Maile and Casali have fared well on their days catching. The Reds are also facing questions about what they want to do trade-wise.

Some have brought up the possibility of trading prospects Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte. In an effort to bring in a player that could help Cincinnati contend this or next year. The fact that the Reds are leading their division in late June is remarkable. Given the struggles the team had last year. Many didn’t expect the Reds to be contending this year.

Cincinnati’s “next man up” mentality

During a post-game press conference on Tuesday. Reds outfielder TJ Friedl gave an explanation on the mentality fueling the Reds’ recent success. Stating that the Reds developed a “next man up” mentality. After being swept on the road by the Pittsburgh Pirates in late April. Prior to then, Reds players were putting pressure on themselves to be the big playmaker.

Instead of pressuring themselves to be the hero. In an effort to get acclaim or maintain a roster spot in Cincinnati. The team is putting a lot of trust in each other to deliver. Which is what teamwork is all about. That mindset is helping the Reds get into the position they’re in.

As Friedl put it, “You wanna do the job, you wanna get the job done, but if you don’t, it’s the next guy up behind you who’s gonna get it done. It’s having that trust in your teammate and that’s where the chemistry comes from.”

Have fun with this Reds fans

The Reds have become a leading story locally and nationally for a nice reason. Quite the change after last year’s 100 loss campaign. We don’t know how long the Reds will maintain their winning ways. However, if this decade is teaching us anything, it’s to enjoy the fun times when they happen. It’s been a fun start to summer for Cincinnati sports generally. From the Reds to FC Cincinnati’s MLS record-tying home winning streak. Plus, Xavier Basketball star Colby Jones was selected in Thursday’s NBA Draft.

So regardless of how long the Reds’ streak lasts, enjoy these fun times Reds fans.