Terry Francona had an update on left-hander Nick Lodolo.
The Cincinnati Reds entered spring training this year banking on Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo continuing to dominate at the top of the rotation and carry them back to the MLB playoffs. Unfortunately, both pitchers have had frustrating seasons due to injury, and the starting rotation as a whole has really struggled as a result.
As for Lodolo, he has dealt with the same recurring issue that has bothered him for years. Blister problems on his left index finger stem from the grip he uses on his slider, his best pitch that generates weak contact.
Changing the grip would likely compromise the pitch's effectiveness, so Lodolo has simply had to battle through it without ever finding a consistent solution.
The blisters delayed his season debut until May after surfacing during spring training, and then he reaggravated the issue back in July leading to his placement on the 15-day injured list.
However, since then Lodolo has progressed and been on a rehab assignment. He made a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, tossing 4 1/3 innings, and the results were encouraging enough for the Reds to bring him back to the big leagues. "Francona says that Lodolo will start on Tuesday," reported Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19.
It makes sense why the Reds are having Lodolo build back up to full strength at the MLB level. They need him right now, especially with Greene likely done for the season. This year Lodolo has posted a 4.60 ERA across 62 2/3 innings with just 50 strikeouts, well below his usual production.
However, it is easy to understand why he has not found his stride considering he has been pitching through discomfort for much of the year.
Not all is lost for Lodolo or the Reds. Cincinnati has been one of the better teams in the National League in the second half, and after Wednesday's win against the Athletics they sit just three games below .500 and four games back of the final NL wild card spot.
If they continue playing at this level and get Lodolo back to resembling one of the better left-handers in the game, sneaking into the postseason just like they did last year is a realistic possibility, even after selling off pieces like first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and left-hander Caleb Ferguson at the trade deadline.
Getting Lodolo healthy and effective down the stretch could be the most important development of Cincinnati's second half push.
