Lodolo’s Blister Injury Worries Impact Cincinnati Reds Rotation
Nick Lodolo exited his March 22 Cactus League start in Goodyear, Arizona. He left after two batters because of a blister on his left index finger.
Injury details
The left-hander walked the leadoff batter and gave up a two-run homer before exiting. Medical staff treated the blister late Sunday. Team officials said they would know more in a day or two.
Lodolo missed three weeks last season for a blister. He had been on a spring program intended to prevent such issues.
Rotation implications
The blister raises worries about depth in the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff. With ace Hunter Greene sidelined until at least July after bone chips surgery, the club had limited options.
Andrew Abbott is scheduled to start the opener on March 26 at home against the Boston Red Sox. Lodolo was lined up to start two days later, after an off day.
The Reds planned to open with six starters for five rotation spots. Brandon Williamson, Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns were expected to share the fourth and fifth roles.
Spring training context
Brady Singer experienced a similar blister four days earlier. That blister was caught before breaking, and Singer resumed throwing two days later.
Players and staff cited extreme heat as a factor during the final week of spring training. Lodolo had a career-high 28 starts last season.
Next steps
The club expects updates on Lodolo’s condition soon. Any change could alter his spring workload and season debut plans.
Filmogaz.com reporters Gordon Wittenmyer and Pat Brennan covered the developments during the last week of spring training.
