Reds' Lodolo Leaves Start With Finger Injury

Blister issue could sideline key rotation piece for Cincinnati

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:51pm

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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo left his spring training start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after facing just three batters, with the team reporting he had developed a blister on his index finger. Lodolo has dealt with similar blister problems in the past, missing time last August due to the injury. The Reds are already without ace Hunter Greene until July due to an elbow surgery, and losing Lodolo would be another major blow to their starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Reds are hoping to bounce back this season after a disappointing 2025 campaign, and having a healthy and productive starting rotation is crucial to their success. Lodolo, 24, is considered a key part of their future, so any injury setbacks could significantly impact the team's outlook.

The details

Lodolo left the game in the middle of the third at-bat of the first inning, with the Reds training staff quickly removing him due to the blister issue. This is not the first time Lodolo has dealt with a blister on his index finger, as he missed 23 days last August with a similar problem. The hot temperatures in Goodyear, Arizona likely contributed to the latest flare-up of the injury.

  • Lodolo left the game in the first inning on March 22, 2026.
  • Lodolo missed 23 days last August due to a blister on the same finger.

The players

Nick Lodolo

A 24-year-old starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has dealt with recurring blister issues on his throwing hand.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Hunter Greene

The Reds' ace starting pitcher who is out until July due to an elbow injury.

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What they’re saying

“It really kind of just came up. The pitch to Castro, I struck him out, didn't feel anything. I threw a slider to Turner and with felt like the skin ripped on my finger. When I looked down, there was a bubble under there and a whole bunch of fluid. Before I throw another pitch and rip it, I thought it was best to stop because I've done that in the past and it takes a lot longer to heal.”

— Nick Lodolo

What’s next

The Reds will monitor Lodolo's progress and provide updates on the severity of the blister injury. If he is forced to miss time, it would be another significant blow to their starting rotation, which is already dealing with Hunter Greene's absence.

The takeaway

Lodolo's recurring blister issues highlight the fragility of pitchers' arms and fingers, and the Reds will need to carefully manage his recovery to ensure he can contribute effectively when the regular season begins. The team's depth will be tested early on as they try to overcome key injuries to their starting staff.