{"id":689465,"date":"2026-05-03T19:10:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T19:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/689465\/"},"modified":"2026-05-03T19:10:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T19:10:06","slug":"nick-lodolo-to-return-from-il-boost-sagging-reds-rotation-friday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/689465\/","title":{"rendered":"Nick Lodolo to return from IL, boost sagging Reds rotation Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2013 The Cincinnati Reds<\/a>\u2019 beleaguered starting rotation<\/a> gets a much needed reinforcement with the anticipated return of No. 2 starter Nick Lodolo<\/a> when the team returns home for its weekend series against the Houston Astros<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Reds plan to backfill for the injured Brandon Williamson<\/a> in Monday\u2019s series opener against the Cubs<\/a> in Chicago<\/a> by calling up Chase Petty<\/a> from Triple-A Louisville for what could be one spot start.<\/p>\n

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Lodolo opened the season on the injured list because of a blister that arose in his final start of the spring, then suffered a setback during his first minor-league rehab start in April.<\/p>\n

\"Nick<\/p>\n

Nick Lodolo got up to 79 pitches in his most recent rehab outing, a 4 1\/3-inning start for Louisville on Saturday night. He is tentatively set to join the rotation on Friday.<\/p>\n

A lengthier process that involved topicals, treatment and a \u201ccontraption\u201d that manager Terry Francona had trouble describing but might have something to do with the pores on the left-hander\u2019s fingertips.<\/p>\n

Lodolo got up to 79 pitches in his most recent rehab outing, a 4 1\/3-inning start for Louisville on Saturday night, in which he threw \u201c16 or 17\u201d sliders, Francona said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the biggest thing,\u201d the manager said of the pitch that puts the most stress on the fingertips. \u201cHe didn\u2019t command great early. But he got up to a pretty high pitch count. He got a little fatigued, which is good. You kind of want to see that.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe accomplished what I think we needed to.\u201d<\/p>\n

1 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Former Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman joins the event during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Former Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman joins the event during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds Hall of Fame outsider Eric Davis comes to the field during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds owner Bob Castellini applauds during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds owner Bob Castellini applauds during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench applauds during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds Hall of Famer Sean Casey applauds during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds Hall of Famers are introduced during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Team owner Susan Castellini looks on during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds Hall of Famer George Foster looks on during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Former Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman is introduced during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is introduced during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds Hall of Fame executive director Rick Walls speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Reds Hall of Fame executive director Rick Walls speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Plaques honoring the 2026 class are displayed during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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15 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

The 2026 class takes the stage during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Reggie Sanders speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

The mother of new Reds Hall of Famer Reggie Sanders claps speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Reggie Sanders speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Aaron Harang speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Aaron Harang speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench records speeches during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Brandon Phillips gives a speech during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Brandon Phillips gives a speech during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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24 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

The parents of Brandon Phillips look on as he speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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25 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Lou Piniella speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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26 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Lou Piniella speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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27 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

New Reds Hall of Famer Lou Piniella speaks during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

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28 \/ 28<\/p>\n

Enjoy celebration of new Reds Hall of Famers Reggie Sanders, Aaron Harang, Brandon Phillips and Lou Piniella | Photos<\/p>\n

The 2026 Reds Hall of Fame class stand with their plaques during a Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, April 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

Lodolo is to be evaluated again when he meets the team in Chicago, but Francona said the plan is for him to start Friday\u2019s opener of the Astros series.<\/p>\n

Until then, the Reds have three pitchers on the injured list, including Hunter Greene<\/a> (bone chips surgery on elbow in March) and Williamson, who left his start last week because of shoulder fatigue.<\/p>\n

Most of this week\u2019s rotation decisions were made after the Reds suffered three blowout losses in four games<\/a> through Saturday, falling out of first place, behind the Cubs.<\/p>\n

Which makes it an especially good time for the Reds to get the boost Lodolo might provide.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s never a bad time,\u201d Francona said.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Nick Lodolo to return from IL, boost sagging Reds rotation Friday<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"PITTSBURGH \u2013 The Cincinnati Reds\u2019 beleaguered starting rotation gets a much needed reinforcement with the anticipated return of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":689466,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[2400],"tags":[5,12054,1418,138,535,50,4259,161,54,2102,4,1331,536,1175,13598],"class_list":{"0":"post-689465","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cincinnati-reds","8":"tag-baseball","9":"tag-brandon-williamson","10":"tag-chase-petty","11":"tag-chicago","12":"tag-cincinnati","13":"tag-cincinnati-reds","14":"tag-cincinnatireds","15":"tag-cubs","16":"tag-houston-astros","17":"tag-hunter-greene","18":"tag-mlb","19":"tag-nick-lodolo","20":"tag-reds","21":"tag-terry-francona","22":"tag-triple-a-louisville"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/116512231741017878","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=689465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/689466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=689465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=689465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=689465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}