Reds FeedNick Lodolo
P · Age 28 · Bats Left · Throws Left
Where things stand
Nick Lodolo has returned from the injured list after recovering from a blister on his left index finger that sidelined him for a month. The left-hander modified his breaking ball grip to address the recurring blister problems that limited him to just 71⅔ innings in 2026, and his new curveball has shown early effectiveness with a 73% whiff rate in his first start back. Lodolo is expected to be part of Cincinnati's rotation going forward as the Reds deal with significant pitching depth issues following Hunter Greene's season-ending elbow surgery.
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Nick Lodolo coverage
Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants – Nick Lodolo vs. Logan Webb
The Cincinnati Reds face the San Francisco Giants in Wednesday's series finale with manager Terry Francona making lineup changes, including moving rookie Hector Rodriguez to leadoff while dropping Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart in the batting order. Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo takes the mound with a 5.04 ERA this season, looking to rebound from a poor outing against Arizona. Giants starter Logan Webb will oppose Lodolo with first pitch scheduled for 3:45 PM ET.
Red ReporterReds need pitching and the Rockies just handed them a perfect reunion opportunity
The Cincinnati Reds face a severe pitching shortage after Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027, while Chase Burns and Nick Lodolo are dealing with workload and injury concerns respectively. Michael Lorenzen, recently designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies, presents a potential solution as a former Reds pitcher who has averaged 24 starts and over 125 innings per season since leaving Cincinnati in 2022. Though Lorenzen posted a 4.64 ERA this year and has limited recent relief experience, the Reds' depleted rotation and bullpen could benefit from adding the veteran right-hander.
Blog Red MachineNick 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.
Blog Red MachineReds should consider this familiar face rather than keeping Brady Singer
Hunter Greene's Tommy John surgery will sideline him for all of 2027, forcing the Cincinnati Reds to address a rotation gap this offseason. While reuniting with free agent Brady Singer seems logical, the article suggests Nick Martinez presents a better option due to financial flexibility and versatility. Martinez, currently with Tampa Bay, has posted a 2.74 ERA over 138 innings this season and could fill a rotation spot or bolster the bullpen as a 36-year-old on a likely one-year deal. The Reds can build their core around Chase Burns, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and potentially Rhett Lowder, with Martinez providing insurance without the long-term commitment Singer would require.
Blog Red MachineReds Select Michael Toglia
The Reds promoted first baseman/outfielder Michael Toglia from Triple-A Louisville and activated left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo from the injured list. Toglia, a 27-year-old switch-hitter acquired on a minor league deal over the winter, hit .273 with 22 home runs in 402 plate appearances for Louisville this season after spending parts of four seasons with the Rockies. Lodolo has been sidelined for a month with blister issues but pitched to a 1.35 ERA over his four starts before the injury. The moves came after the Reds transferred Hunter Greene to the 60-day injured list due to an upcoming UCL surgery.
MLB Trade RumorsReds activate Nick Lodolo along with a surprise roster call-up
The Cincinnati Reds activated left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo from the injured list after he recovered from a blister on his left index finger, requiring only one rehab start at Triple-A Louisville. Lodolo will start Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox and essentially replaces Hunter Greene in the rotation, as Greene underwent season-ending elbow surgery. The Reds also promoted first baseman Michael Toglia from Louisville, a former Colorado Rockies player who signed a minor-league deal with Cincinnati in the offseason and will compete for playing time with Nathaniel Lowe off the roster. To make room, the team optioned reliever Zach McCambley to Triple-A.
Blog Red MachineReds must choose between the easy move and the smart one after optioning Ivan Johnson
The Cincinnati Reds optioned second baseman Ivan Johnson to Triple-A after he went 1-for-12 in limited action this season. The team must now fill the roster spot, with the straightforward option being to recall Edwin Arroyo, who was optioned on July 30 and has now satisfied the 10-day minimum. A more ambitious alternative would be promoting Michael Toglia from Triple-A Louisville, where he's batting .273 with 22 home runs and a 135 wRC+ in 97 games; the Reds could create space by moving pitcher Hunter Greene to the 60-day injured list. Additionally, the Reds are expected to activate pitcher Nick Lodolo from the injured list before Tuesday's game, likely requiring another minor-league option.
Blog Red MachineReds Claim Ron Marinaccio, Chase Solesky
The Reds claimed right-handers Ron Marinaccio and Chase Solesky off waivers from the Pirates and Rays, respectively, while opening roster spots by transferring outfielder Blake Dunn to the 60-day injured list following internal brace surgery. Marinaccio, 31, has regressed this season with a 4.99 ERA across 52 1/3 innings with the Padres and Pirates and will join Cincinnati's bullpen, while Solesky, 28, was sent to Triple-A Louisville after making one major league appearance. The moves come as the Reds deal with rotation depth issues following Hunter Greene's return to the injured list, with Nick Lodolo potentially returning next week.
MLB Trade RumorsReds Place Hunter Greene On Injured List
Hunter Greene has been placed on the injured list after experiencing right elbow soreness during a side session on Tuesday, marking his return to the IL just weeks after missing the first three months of the season for a procedure to remove loose bodies from the same elbow. The Reds have not provided a diagnosis or return timeline, and Greene will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache for further evaluation. The injury compounds Cincinnati's struggles as the team sits at 54-58, five games out of a playoff spot, and recently made modest trades at the deadline. With Greene sidelined, the Reds' rotation is reduced to Chase Burns, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott, though Nick Lodolo and Brandon Williamson are progressing through rehab assignments.
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