Cincinnati Reds’ Nick Lodolo Faces Blister Issue Ahead of Season Opener
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – A shadow has fallen over the Cincinnati Reds’ preparations for the upcoming season as left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo exited his final Cactus League start against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday after just 10 pitches. The cause? A blister on his left index finger.
During the first inning, Lodolo delivered a 1-0 changeup to Guardians third baseman José Ramírez. He immediately showed signs of discomfort, prompting a visit from the team trainer and manager Terry Francona. Following a brief discussion, Lodolo was removed from the game.
Blister History and Concerns
Manager Francona provided an update after the Reds’ 8-2 loss, stating, “They popped [the blister] over in the training room and drained some of it. We’ll take the next couple days. Because of his history, we’re gonna have to see. There’s obviously some apprehension. So we’ll see.”
This isn’t a new issue for Lodolo. He has battled left index finger blisters previously, landing on the injured list twice in 2024 – once in June (activated July 9) and again in August (activated August 27). This recurring problem understandably raises concerns for both the team and fans.
Impact on the Rotation
Lodolo is currently scheduled to start the second game of the regular season on Saturday against the Boston Red Sox. A delay due to the blister would necessitate adjustments to the Reds’ pitching rotation. The team initially planned to carry six starting pitchers on their 26-man roster: Andrew Abbott (Opening Day starter), Lodolo, Brady Singer, top prospect Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson.
The original plan wasn’t a traditional six-man rotation. Instead, Lowder, Burns, and Williamson were intended to operate in a tandem situation, pitching every five days and avoiding bullpen duties. However, the Reds have depth and can adjust the rotation order as needed. Friday’s scheduled off-day provides additional flexibility.
Francona acknowledged the situation, saying, “We don’t want to lose anybody. If we do, nobody’s gonna feel sorry for us. We’ll figure it out. I always feel like that. We’ll figure it out.”
Potential Rotation Adjustments
Brandon Williamson, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is unlikely to be moved up in the rotation. Francona stated Williamson will remain in Arizona to pitch on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his routine as he returns to game action.
Brady Singer, slated to make his regular-season debut on Sunday against Boston, is a potential candidate to move up. He is scheduled to pitch in an exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, and given his normal rest schedule, could be an option. Singer himself recently dealt with a blister on his right index finger during a start against the Rockies, but fortunately caught it before it worsened.
The Cincinnati Reds and their fans will be closely monitoring Lodolo’s condition in the coming days, hoping for a swift recovery and a healthy start to the season. You can find more information about the Reds’ spring training and roster updates on MLB.com.
