CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The Cincinnati Reds’ entire short and long-term plan revolves around the hope that their frontline starting pitching provides. The plan is that whenever the Reds get to that big playoff series against a big spending blue blood, the upside in the Reds’ rotation has a chance to push the team over the top.

The Reds still have plenty of work to do, but they could have that big series next week against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

If the Reds make the playoffs, the status of starting pitcher Nick Lodolo will be a defining storyline of the week.

One of four things will happen: Lodolo overcomes this groin injury in a clutch fashion in a Reds win, the lineup picks up a more limited pitching staff in Game 2 Reds win, Lodolo makes the start and struggles in a Reds’ loss or Lodolo

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