Reds Lose Lodolo to Injury, Rotation Shakeup Ahead

Cincinnati's pitching plans disrupted as key starter heads to injured list with recurring blister issue

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping planes of bright red, orange, and blue, conveying the disruption and challenges facing the Reds' pitching staff.The Reds' pitching rotation faces a shakeup as a key starter's recurring injury issues disrupt the team's plans for the 2026 season.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Reds' pitching rotation has taken a hit as Nick Lodolo, a key starter, will begin the season on the injured list due to a blister on his index finger. This marks the third consecutive year Lodolo has dealt with blister problems, raising concerns about the underlying cause and potential preventative measures.

Why it matters

Lodolo's injury is a significant setback for the Reds, who were already dealing with the absence of Hunter Greene for the first half of the season due to elbow surgery. The team's pitching plans have had to be reshuffled, with Andrew Abbott now making his first Opening Day start and the original six-man rotation plan being put on hold.

The details

With Lodolo sidelined, the Reds will rely more heavily on their bullpen options, with Kyle Nicolas, Julian Aguiar, or Chase Petty potentially filling that role. The team's ability to navigate these pitching challenges will be crucial to their success this season.

  • Lodolo will begin the 2026 season on the injured list.
  • This is the third consecutive year Lodolo has dealt with a blister issue.

The players

Nick Lodolo

A key starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who will miss the start of the 2026 season due to a blister on his index finger.

Hunter Greene

A Reds pitcher who will miss the first half of the 2026 season due to elbow surgery.

Andrew Abbott

A Reds pitcher who will make his first Opening Day start in Lodolo's absence.

Kyle Nicolas

A Reds bullpen option who could see increased playing time due to the rotation shakeup.

Julian Aguiar

A Reds bullpen option who could see increased playing time due to the rotation shakeup.

Chase Petty

A Reds bullpen option who could see increased playing time due to the rotation shakeup.

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What they’re saying

“It's a constant juggling act, adapting to injuries and finding the right balance between starting pitchers and relief options. The team's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial to their success this season.”

— Jeremiah Abshire, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.