Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo had a successful rehab start with the Dayton Dragons, showcasing his skills on the mound. This performance is a positive sign for his return to the major leagues.
Key points
Nick Lodolo had a successful rehab start with Dayton Dragons
His performance indicates readiness for major league return
Lodolo's return could strengthen the Reds' pitching rotation
Nick LodoloCincinnati RedsMLBDayton Dragons
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (54) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) runs the bases after scoring a homer in the second inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) celebrates after scoring a homer in the second inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Q&A
What were Nick Lodolo's stats in his rehab start with Dayton?
Nick Lodolo excelled in his rehab start, demonstrating strong performance metrics that indicate his readiness for a return to the major leagues.
How does Nick Lodolo's rehab start impact his return to the Reds?
Lodolo's successful rehab start is a crucial step in his recovery process, potentially leading to his reinstatement in the Reds' pitching rotation.
When is Nick Lodolo expected to return to the Cincinnati Reds?
While no specific date has been announced, Lodolo's successful rehab start suggests he could return to the Reds soon, depending on further evaluations.
Who is Nick Lodolo and what is his role on the Reds?
Nick Lodolo is a starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, known for his strong pitching abilities and potential impact on the team's performance.
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Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday (22) and Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) share a high five after Lowe scores a homer in the third inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (30) misses a catch in the third inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (29) slides into third base in the third inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (54) delivers a pitch in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) runs the bases after scoring a homer in the second inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) celebrates after scoring a homer in the second inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday (22) and Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) share a high five after Lowe scores a homer in the third inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (30) misses a catch in the third inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
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Cincinnati Reds wrap up series against Detroit Tigers. See photos
Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (29) slides into third base in the third inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
Nick Lodolo excelled in his first successful rehab start of 2026. He'll look to replicate that success in another rehab outing on May 2.
Pitching April 26 for the Cincinnati Reds' High-A affiliate in Dayton, Lodolo (left index finger blister) went five innings on a day when he was scheduled to pitch four. He tossed 39 strikes on 51 pitches, allowing just two hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. Reds manager Terry Francona said on April 28 that Lodolo included eight breaking balls in his 51 pitches, which was promising because his grip on those pitches can agitate the blister.
April 26 was Lodolo's first rehab start since his April 2 start with Low-A Daytona, which ended prematurely when the finger blaster issue reoccurred and knocked him out of the game after 40 pitches.
Francona said Lodolo will progress to a Triple-A outing May 2 with the Louisville Bats to face the Omaha Storm Chasers at Werner Park in Omaha, Nebraska. The game is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
