The Cincinnati Reds are evaluating their pitching options for Monday's game, while Nick Lodolo's return is being closely monitored.
Key points
Cincinnati Reds evaluating pitching options for Monday's game
Nick Lodolo's return is being closely monitored
Andrew Abbott is a key pitcher for the Reds
Lodolo's return could enhance the pitching staff
Cincinnati RedsNick LodoloAndrew AbbottMLB
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Will Benson (30) catches a fly ball off the bat of Jordan Beck in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Rece Hinds (57) sits in the dugout in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Will Benson (30) is unable to catch a home run ball off the bat of Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Q&A
What are the Cincinnati Reds' pitching options for Monday's game?
The Reds are currently assessing their available pitchers for the upcoming game on Monday.
How close is Nick Lodolo to returning to the Reds' lineup?
Nick Lodolo's status is being closely monitored, but specific details about his return timeline are not yet available.
Who is Andrew Abbott and what is his role with the Reds?
Andrew Abbott is a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, recently seen in action during a game against the Colorado Rockies.
What impact could Nick Lodolo's return have on the Reds' pitching staff?
Nick Lodolo's return could significantly bolster the Reds' pitching staff, providing additional depth and talent.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) rounds third on a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) celebrates a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) looses his helmet as he takes a hard swing for a strike in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) breaks his bat as he hits a single to left field in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) celebrates a single in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) tosses the ball in after snagging a line drive off the bat of Kyle Karros for an out in the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) hits a solo home run in the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) celebrates a solo home run in the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) plays a ground ball off the bat of Brenton Doyle for an out in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) throws a pitch in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) makes a sliding catch off the bat of Tyler Freeman in the fourth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Phillips (34) throws a pitch in the top o the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) circles the mound after picking off Tyler Freeman at first base in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) runs for third on a Tyler Stephenson double in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) reaches second on a double in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) hits a sacrifice ground ball, scoring Sal Stewart from third base, in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) checks in with manager Terry Francona (77) after scoring in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) doubles, scoring Tyler Stephenson, in the eight inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) dives into third base in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Injured Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez (28) looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) is visited at the mound by catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) and catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
The Reds celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
1 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
1 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
2 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Will Benson (30) catches a fly ball off the bat of Jordan Beck in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
3 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Rece Hinds (57) sits in the dugout in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
4 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Will Benson (30) is unable to catch a home run ball off the bat of Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
5 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) rounds third on a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
6 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) celebrates a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
7 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) looses his helmet as he takes a hard swing for a strike in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
8 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) breaks his bat as he hits a single to left field in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
9 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) celebrates a single in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
10 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) tosses the ball in after snagging a line drive off the bat of Kyle Karros for an out in the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
11 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) hits a solo home run in the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
12 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) celebrates a solo home run in the second inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
13 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) plays a ground ball off the bat of Brenton Doyle for an out in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
14 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) throws a pitch in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
15 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) makes a sliding catch off the bat of Tyler Freeman in the fourth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
16 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Phillips (34) throws a pitch in the top o the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
17 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) circles the mound after picking off Tyler Freeman at first base in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
18 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) runs for third on a Tyler Stephenson double in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
19 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) reaches second on a double in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
20 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) hits a sacrifice ground ball, scoring Sal Stewart from third base, in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
21 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) checks in with manager Terry Francona (77) after scoring in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
22 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) doubles, scoring Tyler Stephenson, in the eight inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
23 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) dives into third base in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
24 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Injured Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez (28) looks on from the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
25 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) is visited at the mound by catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
26 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) and catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
27 / 27
Photos: Cincinnati Reds take series over Colorado Rockies
The Reds celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Reds won 6-4.
PITTSBURGH – How the Cincinnati Reds pitching looks against the Pittsburgh Pirates the first two nights of their weekend series could have a lot to say about what it might look like when they open an early litmus-test series against the Chicago Cubs and their potent, veteran lineup.
Whether that means they’ll have the luxury of a rested enough bullpen to entertain the thought of a bullpen day for the opener of the four-game series in Chicago Monday, they did expect to return leverage reliever Graham Ashcraft from the bereavement list over the weekend after he rejoined the team Friday.
The need for a pitching plan for that game was created by the move to put left-hander Brandon Williamson on the injured list because of shoulder fatigue after Williamson’s start Wednesday against the Rockies. Williamson hadn’t pitched for much of the past two seasons because of injuries, including 2024 Tommy John surgery.
“After (Saturday) night’s game we’ll figure out where we’re at. That’s the best we can do,” manager Terry Francona said.
Chase Petty, shown during a start last season, could be an option to start in place of Brandon Williamson, who is on the injured list, against the Chicago Cubs. Petty is 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Louisville this season.
Chase Petty, shown during a start last season, could be an option to start in place of Brandon Williamson, who is on the injured list, against the Chicago Cubs. Petty is 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Louisville this season.
Chase Petty, who debuted last season and pitched in three big-league games, would be the Reds pitcher at Triple-A on a fifth-day schedule to pitch Monday if the Reds elected to go that direction. He’s 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA in six starts this season (with 29 strikeouts, 11 walks in 24 2/3 innings).
One factor, if only as it relates to plans for the entire Cubs series, is how Nick Lodolo fares in a second minor-league rehab start since weeks of treatment for a blister problem on his index finger.
The Reds’ No. 2 starter hasn’t pitched yet this season because of the blister suffered in his final start of the spring, and he was scheduled to throw 75-80 pitches for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, then be evaluated for a next step – including possibly being activated from the IL for his next start.
“Potentially it certainly could (be his last rehab start),” Francona said. “We’ve got to see how he’s doing. We want to make sure he’s OK.”
If Lodolo makes his next start on the active roster, it could line up for the series finale in Chicago.
The big test for Lodolo will be increasing the volume of his impressive slider – the pitch more responsible for past blisters – during the Louisville start.
Nick Lodolo will test his index finger and accompanying blister in another start for Triple-A Louisville at Omaha on May 2.
Nick Lodolo will test his index finger and accompanying blister in another start for Triple-A Louisville at Omaha on May 2.
The Reds opened their seven-game road trip against NL Central opponents in first place 31 games into the season despite playing without their top two pitchers (also Hunter Greene) so far this season.
Greene, who had bone chips removed from his elbow about six weeks ago, is in Arizona rehabbing and expected to start throwing in two to three weeks, Francona said.