The Cincinnati Reds entered the 2014 season with high expectations after reaching the playoffs in back-to-back years, but that run of success has come to an end after the team was eliminated from postseason contention on Wednesday. A 3-1 loss to the Cubs led to the mathematical conclusion of the Reds' hopes of playing into October this year.
Reds mathematically eliminated from MLB playoffs
A brilliant year from Johnny Cueto wasn’t enough to make up for the countless injuries and disappointing hitting performances in Cincinnati this season.
Injuries played a big role in the disappointing surrounding the Reds this season, with key players such as Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Mat Latos all missing various amounts of time due to injury. The absence of Votto was especially painful; the team badly missed his elite production at first base given other issues in the lineup.
Devin Mesoraco and Todd Frazier have been pleasant surprises for Cincinnati this season, but Jay Bruce has taken a massive step backwards and Zack Cozart has often looked overmatched. The team might've been able to weather the disappointing performances or injuries separately, but not both at the same time.
This is all has to be especially disappointing for Johnny Cueto, who has delivered one of the best performances of the season on the mound. He is currently tied for the NL lead in wins (18) and leads in innings pitched (227⅔). Also, he's second in ERA (2.33), strikeouts (228), WHIP (0.980) and complete games (four). We saw glimpses of greatness from the 28-year-old in the past, but he put it all together this season despite the lack of support from his teammates.
The Reds continue to have one of the more intriguing cores in the National League, but this was an example of things failing to come together. Just two years after putting together a 97-win campaign, Cincinnati looks to be on pace for a sub-.500 finish.
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