Reds' Lodolo Nearing Return from Blister Injury

Manager Francona provides update on timeline for starting pitcher's recovery

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp planes of red and black representing the Cincinnati Reds' team colors.A cubist interpretation of a Cincinnati Reds pitcher's throwing motion captures the complexity and intensity of the game.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo has been sidelined with a persistent blister issue, but manager Terry Francona indicated the young hurler is making progress and could be nearing a return to the active roster.

Why it matters

Lodolo was expected to be a key part of the Reds' starting rotation this season, so his extended absence due to the recurring blister problem has been a significant setback for the team as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Lodolo first landed on the injured list in early March due to the blister on his pitching hand. While the injury initially seemed minor, the 24-year-old has struggled to fully recover, forcing the Reds to take a cautious approach with his rehabilitation.

  • Lodolo was placed on the injured list in early March 2026.
  • Francona provided an update on Lodolo's status on March 28, 2026.

The players

Nick Lodolo

A 24-year-old starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who was expected to be a key part of their rotation this season before being sidelined by a persistent blister issue.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who provided an update on Lodolo's recovery timeline.

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What they’re saying

“Nick's making progress, but we're still being cautious with him. We want to make sure this blister is fully healed before we bring him back.”

— Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The Reds will continue to monitor Lodolo's recovery and provide further updates on his potential return to the active roster in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Lodolo's blister issue has been a frustrating setback for the Reds, who were counting on the young pitcher to be a key part of their starting rotation this season. While his return timeline remains uncertain, the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure the injury is fully healed before activating him.