As the Cincinnati Reds gear up for the 2026 MLB season, manager Terry Francona is navigating a bit of a curveball. Originally planning to roll with a six-man rotation, Francona is now adjusting to a five-man setup after another pitcher hit the injured list.
Lefty Nick Lodolo is sidelined with a blister on his left index finger, putting him on the 15-day injured list as of March 23. He joins ace Hunter Greene, who’s out until July due to an elbow injury. That's a tough break for the Reds, but Francona is no stranger to adapting on the fly.
Taking the mound on Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox will be left-hander Andrew Abbott. He’ll lead a rotation that includes fellow southpaw Brandon Williamson and right-handers Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Burns. This mix of arms will be crucial as the Reds look to stay competitive in the early part of the season.
In response to these changes, Cincinnati called up reliever Jose Franco from AAA-Louisville, providing some much-needed depth. Meanwhile, lefty Caleb Ferguson is also on the 15-day injured list with an oblique strain, dating back to March 22.
The bullpen is stocked with right-handers Graham Ashcraft, Pierce Johnson, Emilio Pagan, Connor Phillips, and Tony Santillan. Holding down the fort from the left side are Brock Burke and Sam Moll. This group will need to be sharp, as they'll play a pivotal role in bridging the gap to the starters.
As the Reds face these early challenges, the focus will be on how Francona and his squad adapt and overcome. The season's just beginning, and there's plenty of baseball ahead.