According to Cincinnati Reds' reporter Charlie Goldsmith, left-handed starter Nick Lodolo could begin the season on the injured list as he continues to recover from last year's leg issues.
Per Goldsmith on social media:
David Bell said Nick Martinez will throw three innings in a simulated game today. Martinez is still going to be able to be built up to start. Nick Lodolo will start today in the spring training game. Following yesterday's rainout, that pushes Lodolo's schedule back a day. So now he may return April 10 off the IL.
It's not a definite, but it's clearly noteworthy, and it would be another frustrating setback for Lodolo, who has endured several of them in his young career.
The former top prospect made only seven appearances in 2023 before the leg injury ended his season. One of the best young arms in the sport, the 26-year-old is a lifetime 6-8 over parts of two seasons. He is supposed to pair with Hunter Greene to make up a young nucleus of the organization's starting rotation, but both players haven't been able to stay healthy yet in their careers.
The rotation for Cincy figures to include Greene, Frankie Montas, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Martinez. If Lodolo is indeed on the IL to start the year, they could turn to Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips or sometone else.
Cincinnati went 82-80 a season ago and finished in third place in the National League Central. Because of the relative mediocrity of the division - and the great collection of young talent they have - the Reds will be a trendy pick to get to the playoffs in 2024.
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