The Reds are making a bold call with Nick Lodolo.
Manager Terry Francona said before Thursday afternoon’s series finale against the Athletics that Lodolo is lined up to start Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, according to Mike Petgraglia. That comes after Lodolo made his first rehab appearance Wednesday with Triple-A Louisville, his first game action since leaving a start against the Chicago Cubs in early July because of a blister.
The left-hander worked 4 1/3 innings in that outing and allowed three runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out four. He also threw 65 pitches, with 37 going for strikes, and 15 of those pitches were the new curveball grip he has started using.
That grip change became part of the story for Lodolo’s rehab start. Because of the blister problems, he decided to alter how he throws his curveball, and Wednesday was the first time he used the new version in a game.
Lodolo had already thrown three innings of live batting practice last week before taking the mound for Louisville. After the outing, he said, "It feels good," Lodolo told Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer.
"I threw a good amount of them. It's definitely something I am excited about and we will see how it plays."
With just 65 pitches under his belt, a lot of teams would have taken the slower route and asked for another rehab start. The Reds are going the other way. Sitting 4.5 games out of a playoff spot, they’re choosing urgency over caution, and Lodolo looks set to jump right back into the rotation with Hunter Greene on the injured list.
Andrew Abbott has been moved up to start Thursday in Greene’s place, which means Friday is now scheduled as a bullpen game. Petgraglia reported that newly recalled Luis Mey could get the start then, depending on how the bullpen is used Thursday.
Francona also had a positive update on Tony Santillan, who has been out since late June with a left oblique strain. He is set to throw a live batting practice session on Saturday.
" "We want to see how that goes to see what the next step is," Francona said.
In Other News...
Reds Just Took A Bullpen Flier Worth Watching Down The Stretch
The Reds quietly added another arm to the mix when they claimed right-hander Chase Solesky off waivers from the Rays, a small move on paper that could matter as the season grinds toward the finish line. Tampa Bay needed room on its roster after promoting catcher Liam Hicks, reliever Tyler Wells and starter Freddy Peralta ahead of the trade deadline, and Solesky became the casualty Cincinnati was willing to take a look at.
For the Reds, it is the kind of bullpen flier that fits this part of the calendar, especially with roster churn picking up across the league. Solesky now gets a new opportunity in Cincinnati, while Craig Kimbrel, the other reliever Tampa Bay moved on from, cleared waivers and chose free agency as he looks for another landing spot after bouncing among several clubs in recent seasons. [Read more 🡒]
Reds Pitching Depth Gets Thinner As Familiar Twist Raises Questions
The Reds kept working the waiver wire this week, adding right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the Pirates and bringing in Chase Solesky after Tampa Bay released him. To clear space on the 40-man roster, Cincinnati shifted outfielder Blake Dunn to the 60-day injured list after his elbow surgery, another reminder of how quickly the clubs pitching and health picture can change this time of year.
Hunter Greenes move to the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness only sharpened the focus on the arms the Reds can still lean on. With Greene likely finished for the season and the staff already stretched by injuries, the additions give Cincinnati a little more depth on paper, but they also underline how thin the margin has become as the club tries to cover innings and keep the roster moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Reds Make Pitching Moves As Another Injury Clouds Second Half
The Reds kept their bullpen mix in motion by adding two right-handed pitchers off waivers, bringing in Ron Marinaccio from the Pirates and Chase Solesky from the Rays. Marinaccio gives Cincinnati another arm it can potentially plug into the active roster soon, while Solesky was sent to Triple-A Louisville for now as the club continues sorting through pitching options for the stretch run.
To make room, Cincinnati shifted outfielder Blake Dunn to the 60-day injured list after internal brace surgery on his right elbow. It is another reminder of how thin the margin can be in the second half, especially for a Reds team trying to piece together depth while dealing with injuries and still searching for stability on the roster. [Read more 🡒]