Cincinnati Reds Injury News On Nick Lodolo, Bengals Lose Important Player, Wes Miller Hired
Nick Lodolo experienced a concerning setback during his final spring training appearance on March 22, 2026, when a recurring blister issue forced him out of the game almost immediately. The left-handed starter, who was expected to be a key part of the Cincinnati Reds rotation to begin the regular season, lasted only a handful of pitches before discomfort on his left index finger became too significant to ignore.
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Lodolo’s outing against the Cleveland Guardians began shakily and ended abruptly. He walked the first batter he faced and then surrendered a two-run home run before trainers were called to the mound. After a brief discussion with coaching staff, Lodolo exited the game having faced just two hitters. Reports indicated the blister had already developed enough to require immediate attention, with team staff later draining it in the training room in an effort to prevent further complications.
While blisters might seem minor compared to other injuries, they are particularly problematic for pitchers, especially those like Lodolo who rely on grip and feel to command their pitches. This is not a new issue for him, either—he has dealt with similar blister problems multiple times in recent seasons, occasionally even requiring stints on the injured list. The recurrence raises concerns not only about his immediate availability but also about his long-term durability.
The timing of the setback is especially unfortunate. This appearance was meant to be Lodolo’s final tune-up before the regular season, where he had been projected to start one of the opening games. Instead, the Reds are now in a wait-and-see mode, evaluating how quickly the blister heals and whether he will be ready to take the mound as scheduled.
Fortunately for Cincinnati, the team has built some rotation depth heading into the season, which could help absorb any short-term absence. Still, Lodolo’s health remains a critical factor. When healthy, he has shown flashes of top-of-the-rotation potential, making his condition something the organization—and its fans—will be monitoring closely in the days leading up to Opening Day.
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