The Cincinnati Reds got a major boost before Wednesday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, activating left-hander after a three-week absence due to blister trouble.
The move, however, coincided with a tough blow: Graham Ashcraft, who shifted to the bullpen this season after years as a starter, landed on the injured list with a forearm strain, an injury often viewed with concern. No official diagnosis has been provided yet.
Lodolo was on fire before the blister setback in his August 4 start against the Chicago Cubs. His July was dominant — 33.1 innings over five starts with just seven earned runs allowed (1.89 ERA) and a 38-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His 27.6% K-BB rate ranked third among qualified MLB starters, trailing only Zack Wheeler and Paul Skenes.
According to Baseball Reference, Lodolo has been Cincinnati’s second-most valuable player this season with 4.4 bWAR, just behind Andrew Abbott’s 4.7.
With Ashcraft sidelined, Nick Martinez will likely assume the multi-inning relief role again, though his recent start means he won’t be available for at least a couple of days. Luckily, the Reds have Thursday off before beginning a nine-game homestand Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals, giving Martinez time to recover.
For now, the spotlight shifts to Lodolo. Cincinnati is trying to avoid being swept for the first time this season, and Lodolo will take the ball opposite Shohei Ohtani in the finale at Dodger Stadium.
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