Nick Lodolo found the key to changing his Reds future — what took so long?

Nick Lodolo has modified his breaking ball grip after recurring blister problems limited him to just 71⅔ innings in 2026. In his first start back on August 11 against the White Sox, the left-hander threw four innings and struck out five, with his new curveball generating a 73% whiff rate on 11 swings. If Lodolo can maintain the effectiveness of his curveball while avoiding future blisters, it could solve a persistent injury issue that has plagued his career and help address the Reds' depleted rotation with Hunter Greene sidelined for the season.

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