Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo has been on the injured list since the beginning of August with a blister issue that popped up while pitching against the Chicago Cubs.
On Monday, Reds manager Terry Francona spoke to reporters ahead of their matchup against the Angels and provided an optimistic update on the left-hander.
“There’s a chance I think he pitches in LA," Francona told Brian Giesenschlag. "That’s not determined yet. I kind of want to see how he progresses.”
The Reds have a three-game series with the Diamondbacks after this three-game series against the Angels and then they head to LA to play the Dodgers. Francona is hopeful Lodolo can pitch in that series.
The 27-year-old is 8-6 with a 3.05 ERA, a WHIP of 1.03, and 124 strikeouts in a career-high 23 games pitched for Cincinnati this season.
Francona also provided an update on catcher Tyler Stephenson, who is out of the lineup for the third straight game on Monday with a thumb injury.
He said Francona had a much better day today and hit on the field and participated in catching drills.
It sounds like Stephenson might be back any day now.
The Reds are 65-60 and just 1 1/2 games back of the third and final National League Wild Card spot.
Terry Francona with an update on Nick Lodolo today in Anaheim.
— Brian Giesenschlag (@BGiesenschlag) August 18, 2025
“There’s a chance I think he pitches in LA. That’s not determined yet. Kinda wanna see how he progresses.”
Lodolo, who’ll throw another side Wednesday says he feels good and managing the blister has gone well.
Tyler Stephenson is not in the lineup for a third straight game but his banged up left thumb is improving.
— Brian Giesenschlag (@BGiesenschlag) August 18, 2025
Terry Francona says Stephenson had a “way better day today.”
He hit on the field and did catching drills.
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