Reds’ Terry Francona shares crucial injury update after Tigers series

The Cincinnati Reds were defeated 8-3 by the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, but Cincinnati still earned a 2-1 series win. After the series, Reds manager Terry Francona shared an update on starting pitcher Nick Lodolo, who is dealing with a blister on his left index finger.

“Update from Terry Francona postgame on Nick Lodolo. Said he ‘threw the ball really well’ in his rehab outing. Good report. 5 innings. 51 pitches. Also threw a bullpen after to get more work,” Jeremy Rauch reported.

The Reds were hopeful that the blister would not keep Lodolo out too long when he was placed on the injured list before the season. However, the 2026 MLB campaign is now over a month old and the southpaw has yet to pitch in a big league game.

With that being said, Lodolo is seemingly trending in the right direction.

The 28-year-old pitcher turned in a 3.33 ERA across 29 outings during the 2025 MLB season. It was a strong bounce back performance following his up and down 2024 season. Lodolo has always featured the potential to find success, and he certainly stepped up last year.

The Reds have impressed despite a number of injuries in 2026. Ace Hunter Greene is expected to be out until July due to an elbow injury. Despite playing without two of their best starting pitchers up to this point in 2026, the Reds are currently in first place in the National League Central with an 18-10 record.

Updates will continue to be monitored and provided on Nick Lodolo’s injury status as they are made available.