The Reds have reported that Nick Lodolo, a left-handed pitcher, has been put on the 15-day injured list, retroactively from May 12, due to a strain in his left groin. In response, left-hander Sam Moll has been called up as a replacement.
It’s uncertain when Lodolo sustained the injury or its severity. He pitched for the team on Saturday, completing six innings with 98 pitches. Before this announcement, there were no signs indicating he would miss his upcoming start on Thursday.
More updates from the team are expected to shed light on the situation. Lodolo has faced setbacks due to injuries despite displaying remarkable talent in his young career. In 2022, he was called up to the majors in mid-April but was restricted to 103 1/3 innings across 19 starts due to back and calf issues. Last year, he was limited to seven starts due to a left tibia problem. Even during spring training this year, he experienced discomfort in his left leg, causing him to start the season on the injured list.
Despite these challenges, Lodolo has delivered impressive performances. He posted a 3.66 earned run average in 2022, striking out 29.7% of batters and maintaining a 46% ground ball rate. Although he struggled in 2023 with a 6.29 ERA, he has rebounded in 2024 with a 3.34 ERA in 35 innings over six starts.
Lodolo’s placement on the injured list is unfortunate, especially given the team’s existing injuries. The Reds aimed to progress this season after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023 but have been hindered by injuries to players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand, TJ Friedl, and others.
With Lodolo sidelined, the Reds face a tougher road ahead. Nick Martinez, who has alternated between starting and relief roles this season, is likely to fill in for Lodolo. Martinez pitched last on Sunday, making him available to pitch on Thursday. He will join Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene, and others in the rotation.
In case of further injuries, the Reds have additional pitchers like Connor Phillips and Lyon Richardson on the 40-man roster, currently on optional assignment, to provide support.
