The Cincinnati Reds had a chance to close the gap in the NL Wild Card race over the weekend, but instead were swept right out of Sacramento by the Athletics. The Reds lost three straight games to one of the worst teams in the American League, and as a result, are now 2½ games back of the New York Mets in the chase for the final spot in the NL Wild Card.
But some unexpected reinforcements could be on the way. Reds manager Terry Francona spoke about the potential for Rhett Lowder to return to the active roster after the right-hander went two innings with Triple-A Louisville during a rehab assignment over the weekend.