Reds rotation receives reinforcement as Nick Lodolo returns from injured list
Cincinnati plans to call up Chase Petty to replace Brandon Williamson in the upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs.
The Cincinnati Reds are set to bolster their starting rotation with the anticipated return of No. 2 starter Nick Lodolo, who is expected to pitch against the Houston Astros this Friday. This move marks the end of his absence from the active roster, which began when he suffered a blister on his index finger during his final start of spring training.
Manager Terry Francona confirmed the timeline for Lodolo's return after the pitcher successfully completed a rehabilitation start with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. During the outing, Lodolo threw 79 pitches over 4 1/3 innings, including 16 or 17 sliders, the pitch type that places the most stress on the fingertips. While the manager noted that Lodolo did not command the ball as well in the early innings, he reached a high pitch count and showed signs of fatigue, which Francona views as a positive indicator for his readiness.
Concurrently with Lodolo's return, the Reds intend to address the void left by injured pitcher Brandon Williamson by calling up Chase Petty from Louisville. Petty is scheduled to make his major league debut in the series opener against the Chicago Cubs on Monday. Reports indicate that Petty's role may be limited to a single spot start, though the specific duration of his call-up remains unconfirmed.
These roster adjustments come at a critical juncture for the franchise, following three blowout losses in four games through Saturday. The string of defeats has seen the Reds fall out of first place, dropping behind the Cubs in the standings. With three pitchers currently on the injured list, including Hunter Greene and Williamson, the team is seeking immediate stability to improve their performance.
Lodolo is scheduled to undergo further evaluation when he meets the team in Chicago before his scheduled start against the Astros. The plan for him to pitch on Friday is contingent upon this assessment, but Francona expressed confidence that the rehabilitation process, which involved topicals and a complex treatment device, had been effective.
Until Lodolo is cleared, the Reds will manage their pitching workload carefully. The organisation acknowledges that there is never a bad time to receive a boost to the rotation, particularly given the pressure of recent results. The focus now shifts to ensuring Lodolo remains healthy while the team attempts to regain momentum in the standings.
