This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/reds as MLB Insider Lists Cincinnati Reds as Possible Suitor for National League Slugger . After losing a series to the Washington Nationals earlier in the week, the Reds are 53-50 and sit 2 1/2 games out of the third and final National League Wild Card spot.

Right-hander pitches around a decrease in velocity but the bats provide no support in a 5-0 loss to the Reds, who stave off a series sweep.

The Cincinnati Reds reached a season high-water mark of five games over .500 with 2 wins in New York out of the break. They haven't won since.

The Washington Nationals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 10-8 on Monday, marking their highest scoring game since July 3.

CINCINNATI -- Reds right-handed starting pitcher Brady Singer gave up seven earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings and the Reds fell to the Washington Nationals 10-8 on Monday night. The Reds trailed 7-0 after three innings, before rallying to make it 8-6 through the top of the fifth.