Reds Injury Update: Nick Lodolo Nearing Return With Rehab Start

The Cincinnati Reds have made two decisions regarding their starting pitching staff. Left-hander Nick Lodolo will throw 60-65 pitches in a rehab start at Triple-A on Wednesday, while fellow left-hander Brandon Williamson will make a rehab start at Triple-A on Thursday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard and FOX19.

Lodolo left the Reds' July 11 game against the Chicago Cubs with a blister on his left index finger, the same finger that sidelined him for the first month and a half of the season. He has not made a start since then.

He threw a 50-pitch live batting practice session on Friday, which he said he felt good after. There have been reports that Lodolo is using a new slider grip, the pitch that gave him the most trouble with his blister issue. It is also, consequently, his best and most dominant pitch. A new grip and a new look on his slider will be something fans should closely monitor during his next rehab start.

Williamson has made six appearances this season but has not pitched for the big league club since April 29. He has a 6.11 ERA in 28 innings.

He made his first rehab start Saturday evening, walking two batters, striking out three and allowing one run in two innings. At times, he struggled with his command but showed flashes of the impactful changeup he has relied on over the past few seasons.

Williamson is competing for a spot in a crowded Reds rotation and, at the very least, could become a bullpen option if he avoids any setbacks during his rehab. If Brady Singer is traded, there will be opportunities. 

Lodolo was viewed as a possible trade chip at the deadline because of his proven track record of success and multiple years of team control, but the nagging blister issue made that virtually impossible. Lodolo's future with the Reds remains uncertain, as this blister issue has resurfaced on at least five different occasions throughout his career, in 2021, 2024, 2025 and now 2026. It has been a significant roadblock in the career of a very talented pitcher.

He continues to slide into the rotation behind guys like Chase Burns, Hunter Greene, and Andrew Abbott. 

The former TCU Horned Frogs standout needs to put together a healthy stretch to end the season without the blister affecting him. This new grip may be necessary, but if it makes his slider less effective, it could undermine his effectiveness and call into question whether he can be a cornerstone of the Reds' rotation going forward.