CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Tyler Naquin returned to the lineup on Saturday, a sign that the Reds’ injury-riddled start to the season was coming to a close. But Naquin’s presence in the leadoff spot against the Cardinals wasn’t enough to spark the offense in a 5-0 loss.

• Box score

The Reds have lost 11 straight games, equaling their longest losing streak since 2016. They dropped to 0-4 at Great American Ball Park, marking the first time since 1955 -- when they played at Crosley Field -- that they have lost four straight at home to begin a season.

“It’s tough losing. We have very competitive guys who care a lot,” said Reds manager David Bell. “Naturally, you’re going to press and try to do too much. That’s what’s going to get us going. We need to continue to work hard until we can break through.”

But maybe, just maybe, things are looking up for the Reds, who have 11 players on the injured list.

Naquin, who went 0-for-3 with a walk, is back from the COVID-19-related IL, and second baseman Jonathan India and third baseman Mike Moustakas are getting closer. Catcher Tyler Stephenson should be out of concussion protocol soon, and shortstop Jose Barrero could be back next month following surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left wrist.

The pitching staff has been impacted, too, with righty Luis Castillo and lefty Mike Minor out with shoulder soreness.

“It’s been a tough stretch for us, for sure,” said Brandon Drury. “I believe in all the guys in this clubhouse, I really do. It’s a long season. You’ll have injuries and ups and downs. Right now, it’s really bad.”

Injuries can be an unpopular excuse when a team is struggling. But the number of significant injuries for the Reds less than two weeks into the season has made it difficult for the team to break out of its slump.

“It’s not an excuse, it’s just a fact,” Bell said of the injuries. “When you’re losing, it’s always a combination of factors. We’re missing key guys who are significant parts of this team. That affects everyone. Our focus is getting those guys back as soon as we can, and winning games until that happens.”

Tyler Mahle allowed two runs and issued a season-high three walks over 4 1/3 innings, but he wasn’t hit particularly hard. He threw 88 pitches.

“Not good, threw too many pitches early,” Mahle said. “Fell behind a lot of guys. That’s what cut my outing short. Drove up my pitch count. Things haven’t gone our way. We’re going to go out there and compete every time out.”

The Reds had one runner advance past first, on Nick Senzel’s double in the fifth.

“We have a good lineup, and it’s early in the season,” said Drury. “Right now, we’re not swinging good.”

Cardinals right-hander Dakota Hudson induced eight ground ball outs in 6 2/3 innings.

“We did try to hit and run today,” Bell said. “With the matchup with Hudson, we knew we were going to get a lot of ground balls off our bats. Hard to get the ball in the air. Just trying to create something. He had a really good sinker today.”

Paul Goldschmidt’s two-run double in the sixth was the big blow for the Cardinals, coming off Lucas Sims, who was reinstated from the IL on Friday. St. Louis stole four bases with Aramis Garcia filling in for Stephenson behind the plate, including a career-high three by Harrison Bader.

The Reds and Cardinals conclude their series on Sunday afternoon, with Cincinnati looking to avoid its longest skid since 1993.

“We’re here working every day so we can click and start winning some ball games,” Drury said. “You always want to start the season hot and for your numbers to be good. Sometimes it doesn’t work like that. We have five-plus months of baseball left. It is what it is right now. We just need to get hot together.”