Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo has once again found himself sidelined, placed on the 15-day injured list due to a persistent blister on his left index finger. This recurring issue has plagued the southpaw throughout his professional career, raising concerns about his long-term availability. In a strategic move to address the gap in their pitching rotation, the Reds have called up promising rookie right-hander Chase Petty from their Triple-A affiliate in Louisville.
Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Nick Lodolo Plagued by Recurrent Blister, Rookie Chase Petty Steps Up
Cincinnati, Ohio – On Sunday, July 13, 2026, the Cincinnati Reds officially announced that their starting left-handed pitcher, Nick Lodolo, would be placed on the 15-day injured list. The culprit behind this latest setback is a blister that has flared up on his left index finger. This unfortunate development follows Lodolo's outing on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Great American Ball Park, where the Reds faced off against the Chicago Cubs. Lodolo, 28, exited the game prematurely after surrendering a leadoff home run to Carson Kelly in the sixth inning, feeling discomfort in his finger. Subsequent examination confirmed the presence of the blister, an issue that has repeatedly plagued him since a similar occurrence during spring training on March 22, and throughout previous seasons in 2024, 2025, and even during his minor league tenure in 2021.
In Saturday's game, Lodolo pitched five-plus innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out four. Despite the short outing, his season record currently stands at 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA, 27 walks, and 50 strikeouts across 62 2/3 innings in 12 starts. His career statistics, spanning 88 games (87 starts) since 2022, include a 27-24 record, one save, a 4.13 ERA, 144 walks, and 506 strikeouts over 472 1/3 innings. The Reds originally drafted Lodolo, a product of TCU, in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft.
Addressing the ongoing challenge, Lodolo is actively exploring solutions to prevent future blisters, including potentially altering the grip on his breaking ball. Reds manager Terry Francona confirmed that the team is engaged in discussions with the pitcher to find a viable strategy. Francona emphasized the need for careful consideration, noting, "The kid's been pitching like this his whole life. I agree the blister is not good. If you hurt your shoulder (changing grips), there's got to be some pulling back on the reins a little bit and not jumping in until you know something can really help."
To fill Lodolo's spot on the active roster, the Reds have recalled 23-year-old rookie right-hander Chase Petty from Triple-A Louisville. Petty has made 11 appearances (two starts) for Cincinnati this season, posting a 1-2 record with one save, a 4.38 ERA, seven walks, and 11 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings. Petty was initially drafted by Minnesota in the first round (26th overall) in 2021 and was later acquired by the Reds in March 2022 as part of a trade that sent Sonny Gray and minor league pitcher Francis Peguero to the Twins. Since his major league debut in 2025, Petty's career numbers include a 1-5 record with one save, a 7.34 ERA, 15 walks, and 18 strikeouts across 30 2/3 innings in 14 games (four starts).
The recurring blister issue for Nick Lodolo highlights a significant challenge for professional pitchers, where the delicate balance between performance and physical well-being is constantly tested. This situation prompts contemplation on how teams and athletes can proactively address such persistent injuries. While the immediate impact is a loss for the Reds' rotation, it also presents an opportunity for a young talent like Chase Petty to gain valuable experience at the major league level. Lodolo's commitment to finding a long-term solution, even considering a change to his pitching mechanics, underscores the dedication required to compete at the highest level. It also sheds light on the collaborative effort between players, coaches, and medical staff in managing athlete health and optimizing performance, reminding us that even the smallest physical ailment can have a considerable impact on a professional career.
