Reds activate starting pitcher from IL amid 7-game losing skid

With the Cincinnati Reds on a seven-game losing streak, the team needs a new burst of energy on the team that could lift the spirits back up, as the latest moves from the ball club could be just what they needed. After the Reds’ disappointing series against the Chicago Cubs, the team has made a huge move in dealing with starting pitcher Nick Lodolo.

Cincinnati would take to social media and announce that Lodolo has finally been taken off the 15-day injured list (IL), with a scheduled start for Friday at the start of the series against the Houston Astros. With that move, this led to the Reds sent down pitcher Jose Franco to Triple-A ball.

“The Reds today activated from the 15-day injured list LHP Nick Lodolo and optioned to Triple-A Louisville RHP Jose Franco,” the team’s account wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Lodolo, being activated for Friday evening’s game, had been expected after his rehab start on Saturday in Triple-A, as the 28-year-old had been dealing with a blister on his left index finger since his last Spring Training game appearance on March 22.

“I’m really excited. I’ve just been kind of sitting here, trying to truck along slowly. I’m excited to get back in, get out there and compete and just be a part of it with the boys,” Lodolo said, via MLB.com.

Reds’ Nick Lodolo set to make 2026 season debut after dealing with blister

Lodolo had been considered one of the Reds’ top pitchers in the rotation heading into the season. He recorded a 3.33 ERA to go along with 156 strikeouts and a 9-8 record. The pitcher would say that he will be pitching with no limits, as he’s been dealing with a lingering blister that has been impacting him, even using a device in recovery that deals with the pores on the finger.

“I don’t even know the name of it or anything. If it works and everything, I’m going to keep going,” Lodolo said.

At any rate, it remains to be seen how Lodolo looks in his Cincinnati 2026 season debut on Friday evening against the Astros.

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