Jonathan India

Cincinnati is now last in the National League Central, 10 1/2 games behind Milwaukee.

Several slumping Reds hitters broke out during this stretch of winning baseball, plus notes on the rotation and Jonathan India.

Once the ball cleared the wall, India pumped his fist and gave out a scream, letting out two months of frustration and doubt.

India is an important figure in the Reds' clubhouse, a C-flap helped Spencer Steer, Justin Wilson made his return and more notes.

The Reds know that any chance of their season continuing beyond Sunday starts with them winning their remaining games.

"It felt like we had our family back together today," Reds manager David Bell said. "It's exciting. We're playing for something now."

The Mariners have something everyone else wants. The question now is whether they will leverage it.

Abbott's 7 2/3 innings was the longest start by any Reds pitcher this year and his 12 strikeouts were a career-high.

This year's team has done at least two things the Big Red Machine never did: win 12 games in a row and have a player hit for the cycle.

Cincinnati is just 1 1/2 games out of first place, and the players are having fun. "We feel it. We're America's Team," Matt McLain said.

Elly De La Cruz was the story in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers, but McClain, India, Steer and Stephenson are writing their own chapters.

The 2021 Rookie of the Year and clear on-field leader of the Reds could soon be forced to move off second base, or perhaps even be traded.

"We don’t have big sluggers like some of these other teams have, but we’re going to get an extra 90 feet every way we can," TJ Friedl said.

Also in the mailbag: Which Reds prospect has the brightest future, and which Triple-A starter gets the next shot?

Will Jonathan India be the Reds player who benefits the most from MLB's new rules?

The Reds second baseman is leaning into his natural strengths — quickness, patience, athleticism — after trying to hit for power last year.

Although it hasn't been finalized, Steer is expected to open the season as the team's everyday third baseman.

The Reds icon is in the final guaranteed year of his deal, but he is keeping his focus elsewhere as he prepares for the season.