Left-hander Nick Lodolo was the Cincinnati Reds staff workhorse until a blister on his left index finger forced him from his Aug. 4 start.
ANAHEIM, California – After putting two key players on the injured list in less than a week, the Cincinnati Reds might be on the verge of getting one back before they finish their road trip out west.
Left-hander Nick Lodolo, who was the starting rotation’s workhorse until a blister forced him to the IL earlier this month, has one more test at the end of the week with some simulated game action in Phoenix before he’ll be evaluated for a return to the active roster.
“If all goes well we would have him Wednesday against the Dodgers,” manager Terry Francona said of Aug. 27 finale of a nine-game road trip.
Lodolo (8-6, 3.05 ERA) last pitched Aug. 4 against the Cubs in Chicago before a blister on his left index finger forced him from the game in the second inning.
If he’s able to return for that Dodgers game, everyone in the rotation would get two extra days’ rest the next time through the rotation, setting the stage for the final 22-game sprint.
Barring an unforeseen health issue, swingman Nick Martinez likely moves back into a key bullpen role at that point.
Lodolo pitched into the sixth inning against the Dodgers at home July 30, striking out 11 and allowing two runs.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds LHP could return from IL Aug. 27 at Los Angeles Dodgers
Category: Baseball
