Reds activate Nick Lodolo ahead of opener against Astros

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Reds have activated Nick Lodolo from the injured list ahead of their game against the Houston Astros. Lodolo will make his first start of the year at Great American Ball Park after overcoming blister issues.

Key points

Nick Lodolo activated from injured list
Lodolo will start against Houston Astros
Reds lost seven consecutive games prior to Lodolo's return
Jose Franco optioned to AAA for Lodolo's roster spot
Lodolo had a career year in 2025 with 3.33 ERA

Nick LodoloCincinnati RedsHouston AstrosPittsburgh Pirates

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during a Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on March 12, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What a week for the Cincinnati Reds, eh? They got trounced by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the series opener at PNC Park last Friday only to wake up Saturday, walk seven batters in a row, and allow 17 runs in a loss. They wrapped up getting swept in that three-game series on Sunday only to head to Chicago and get walked-off in three straight games to begin that series. In the process, they lost closer Emilio Pagan to a hamstring injury that’ll keep him out for up to two months. Brandon Williamson’s shoulder issue turned out to be significant enough that he was moved to the 60-day IL. Then, on Thursday, exited early from his start after feeling ‘clicking’ in his right shoulder, and the Reds wrapped that game with a loss to secure a winless seven-game road trip. Woof! Friday, finally, brings a bit of welcome good news. The Reds officially got Nick Lodolo back off the injured list after clearing all his blister hurdles, and he’ll make his first start of the year in Great American Ball Park against the on Friday evening. Jose Franco was optioned to AAA to make way for Lodolo, the Reds announced. Getting Lodolo back is obviously welcome news on any level. The 28 year old had a career year (so far) in 2025, logging 156.2 IP of 3.33 ERA, 3.81 FIP ball while posting a career-best 5.03 K/BB. Baseball Reference valued that work at 4.7 bWAR, and that’s the kind of pitcher that can almost singlehandedly turn around a pitching staff – something the Reds desperately need right now as they battle through this cascade of injuries. If there’s another silver lining here, it’s that Lowder – who was set for an MRI today – was *not* the arm that was optioned to make way for Lodolo. Fingers crossed that’s an indication that whatever he’s dealing with is minor enough, since anything significant would’ve likely meant he’d be heading to the IL immediately, too. (Or they’re just waiting for a second opinion before dropping that awful news on us – we shall see.) Anyway, Nick is back, that’s a good thing, and here’s how the Reds will line up for tonight’s series opener back home:

Q&A

What injury did Nick Lodolo recover from to return to the Reds?

Nick Lodolo recovered from blister issues that had kept him on the injured list.

How did the Reds perform in their recent games before Lodolo's return?

The Reds struggled significantly, losing all seven games on their recent road trip, including being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Who was optioned to AAA to make room for Nick Lodolo on the Reds roster?

Jose Franco was optioned to AAA to make room for Nick Lodolo on the Reds roster.

Reds activate Nick Lodolo ahead of opener against Astros

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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