URGENT UPDATE: The Cincinnati Reds have officially placed left-hander Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list due to a blister on his left index finger, as confirmed just moments ago. Lodolo exited Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs in the second inning after experiencing discomfort, raising concerns among fans and officials alike.
Lodolo’s troubling injury occurred after he retired the first five hitters, prompting Reds manager Terry Francona to swiftly approach the mound with a trainer. The decision to sideline Lodolo comes as a precaution, as Francona noted, “we’re going to err on the side of caution, because he’s dealt with this before.” This marks a significant moment for the Reds, who must now navigate the rest of the season without one of their top pitchers.
In his career-high 23 starts this season, Lodolo has achieved a commendable 3.05 ERA with 8 wins and 6 losses. He had been on a roll, winning his last three decisions before the injury setback. “It really just kind of came up,” Lodolo explained, detailing how he felt a bubble form under the skin of his finger after throwing a slider. “Before I go and throw another pitch, I thought it was best to stop, because I’ve done that in the past and it takes a lot longer to heal.”
As part of the roster adjustments, the Reds have called up right-hander Yosver Zulueta from Triple-A Louisville to fill the gap left by Lodolo. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in the wake of this crucial injury.
This development is especially critical for the Reds as they aim to stay competitive in the league. Lodolo’s absence could have significant implications for their pitching strategy moving forward, raising questions about how the team will perform against upcoming opponents without their star pitcher.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
