Why Reds fans should be rooting for the Diamondbacks during Sunday Night BaseballThe Reds will surely be watching tonight’s clash between the D-backs and the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks’ Sunday Night Baseball game today will have the Cincinnati Reds keeping a close eye on things.

The Cubs have a half-game advantage over the Reds and D-backs for the second NL Wild Card slot before the games begin on Sunday afternoon. Cincinnati would be in the playoffs if the playoffs started today due to their head-to-head record versus Arizona.

Even though it’s always simple for Reds supporters to support the Cubs, tonight’s game has a special significance. Cincinnati might move up to second place in the NL Wild Card race if the Reds can sweep the New York Mets this afternoon.

why Reds supporters on Sunday Night Baseball should support the Diamondbacks.Against both the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cincinnati Reds have the good fortune to enjoy a winning record. The Reds would advance to the playoffs over both the Cubs and the D-backs based on the new tiebreaker rules.

Cincinnati would have the second NL Wild Card berth and Arizona would hold the final slot in the postseason race if the Reds upset the Mets this afternoon at Citi Field and the D-backs defeat the Cubs.

The Reds would face the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card Series rather than the Milwaukee Brewers if they managed to win the second NL Wild Card position as opposed to the third.

Cincinnati has a reasonable record of 3-4 against the Phillies this year but a dismal record of 3-10 against the Brew Crew. Additionally, it’s highly likely that Milwaukee will start the playoffs off by sending the trio of Freddy Peralta, Brandon Woodruff, and Corbin Burnes to the hill. That is definitely not a favorable matchup for the Reds.

Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Taijuan Walker would make up the Phillies’ starting rotation if Cincinnati were to win the second NL Wild Card spot. While Cincinnati’s batters would undoubtedly prefer their chances against the defending National League Champions, both potential matchups might provide challenges for the Reds.

Of course, there will still be a ton of baseball to be played after Sunday. In reality, Skip Schumakers’ team will move into the last NL Wild Card place, leaving Cincinnati and Chicago on the outside looking in if the Miami Marlins defeat the Atlanta Braves on Sunday and both the Reds and Cubs lose.