Reds manager Dusty Baker walked through the clubhouse after a season-ending 6-4 loss to the Giants on Thursday, stopping to hug every player and whisper encouragement in their ears. There were no tears in the clubhouse, just silent frustration as players started to empty their lockers.

For a manager whose career is full of heartbreaking losses — the World Series Game 7 loss with the Giants in 2002, the Bartman game with the Cubs in the National League Championship Series in 2003 — this was just the latest chapter.

The Reds blew a 2-0 lead in the National League Division Series by losing the last three games at Great American Ball Park. Four teams, all in the American League, had lost the Division Series after taking 2-0 leads, but none of those teams lost the last three at home.

“I feel probably more upset for him than anyone else in here,” Reds left fielder Ryan Ludwick said. “He’s had a hall-of-fame career as a manager, but he’s missing that ring. Every one of us in here wanted to get him that ring, and I just feel bad we didn’t.”

Baker, 63, has managed the Reds for five seasons, but his contract is up.

“I’m not sure where my career is going here in Cincinnati,” Baker said. “We’re going to talk about that in the next couple of days, but I’m not through managing yet. I have more to do.”

Asked if he expected to be back, Baker said, “I don’t know, man. Right now, I’m kind of numb in this situation.”

Baker, who began his managerial career with the Giants (1993-2002) and then spent four seasons with the Cubs (2003-2006), has taken the Reds to the playoffs twice, the first to do that since Sparky Anderson in the 1970s. But the Reds were swept by the Phillies in the first round in 2010, and their early exit this season after two impressive victories in Games 1 and 2 has frustrated the fan base.

Joey Votto, for one, would like to see his manager return.

“I know Dusty’s contract is currently expired, but I love playing for Dusty, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for him,” Votto said. “I don’t like commenting on contract situations, but I wish him the best in baseball.”