I can agree with your premise - but --- always a but ---
the last 2/3 of this season (allowing for a couple % of rounding) -- or the last 86 games for this team - the record is 43 - 43.
So it can be accurately stated that for much of the season they are playing as a .500 club.
It is certainly good that the Reds went 14 - 1 in May against the Cubs, Mets, Marlins & Brewers.
just my 2¢