Reds place LHP Nick Lodolo (blister) on IL to begin season

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th March, 17:48 2026

Mar 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo will open the season in the injured list because of a blister issue, while right-hander Jose Franco was recalled Wednesday after he had been optioned to Triple-A.

Lodolo, 28, had been dealing with a blister on his left index finger after he delivered a 7.24 ERA in five spring starts.

Lodolo started the second game of the season for the Reds last year and earned the team's first win. He was 9-8 with a 3.33 ERA in 29 appearances (28 starts) in 2025 and is 24-22 with a 4.06 ERA in 76 appearances (75 starts) over four major league seasons, all in Cincinnati.

The Reds also placed left-hander Caleb Ferguson (oblique) on the injured list, while left-handed reliever Sam Moll will be on the roster to open the season. Ferguson, 29, was 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA in 70 combined relief appearances last season for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners.

The Reds are set to open the regular season at home Thursday against the Boston Red Sox.

--Field Level Media

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