Nick Lodolo’s Impressive Rehab Start Signals Potential Return to Cincinnati Reds Rotation

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo delivered a standout performance in his rehabilitation assignment with the Dayton Dragons on Sunday, April 26, 2026, pitching five scoreless innings and striking out seven batters. This outing marked a significant step in his recovery from a persistent blister issue that sidelined him to begin the 2026 season.

Dominant Performance in Rehab Start

Lodolo was initially scheduled for a four-inning rehab start but extended his outing to five innings due to his exceptional efficiency. According to reports from the game at Day Air Ballpark, he threw only 42 pitches through the first four innings before adding nine more pitches in the fifth to reach a total of 51 pitches for the day. His line included two hits allowed, no walks, and seven strikeouts, with 39 of his pitches landing for strikes.

Lodolo emphasized that his focus was on executing his pitch sequence rather than securing the win, stating he “needed to hit my pitch count” and “got the workload in that I needed to.” He reported feeling good physically, particularly noting that his blister issue had not caused problems during the outing: “Finger wise felt good – I’m really happy about that.”

Blister Issue and Recovery Process

Lodoo was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 25, 2026, due to a blister on his left index finger. This injury originated during spring training and had previously disrupted his preparation for the season. He acknowledged the recurring nature of the problem, stating he has “tried a lot of different things” and continues to research solutions to prevent future occurrences.

The blister had resurfaced during an earlier rehabilitation attempt with Low-A Daytona, but Lodolo reported no issues with the finger during his outing with the Dayton Dragons. His ability to pitch through five innings without discomfort was viewed as a positive indicator of his recovery progress.

Path Back to the Major Leagues

Lodolo’s performance has positioned him as a candidate for a return to the Cincinnati Reds’ active roster. The Reds, who began the 2026 season with an 18-9 record and lead the National League Central, have been monitoring his progress closely. While other pitchers like Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns have performed well, the team could benefit from Lodolo’s presence in the rotation given the higher ERAs of some current starters.

The Reds activated catcher Jose Trevino from the injured list ahead of their series finale against the Detroit Tigers on the same day, making room on the roster by optioning P.J. Higgins to Triple-A Louisville. This roster move coincided with Lodolo’s rehabilitation assignment to High-A Dayton.

Looking Ahead

Lodolo’s outing with the Dayton Dragons represents a meaningful milestone in his journey back to major league baseball. His ability to command the strike zone, generate swings and misses, and maintain pitch efficiency bodes well for his eventual return to the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation. As he continues to monitor and address the blister issue that has plagued him, this performance provides encouragement for both the player and the organization.

Key Takeaways

• Nick Lodolo pitched five scoreless innings in his rehab start with the Dayton Dragons on April 26, 2026.
• He allowed two hits, no walks, and struck out seven batters while throwing 51 pitches (39 for strikes).
• Lodolo reported no issues with the blister on his left index finger during the outing.
• The performance signals potential readiness for a return to the Cincinnati Reds’ major league rotation.