Reds place Nick Lodolo on the injured list

The Reds announced that left-handed Nick Lodolo was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactively to August 24 due to a sprained left middle finger. Right-handed Casey Legumina was recalled in a corresponding step.

The Reds have not yet provided any information on how long Lodolo is expected to be out, but it's a frustrating development nonetheless. This will be the left-hander's fourth IL stint this season, as he has already made multiple trips there due to left calf tendinitis, a left groin strain and a left finger blister.

This latest IL trip, whether severe or benign, compounds a long-standing injury problem for both player and team. Lodolo also missed most of last year due to various issues with his left leg, making just seven appearances during the season. He had an encouraging debut season in 2022, posting a 3.66 ERA in 19 starts. However, the last two seasons have been largely defined by his lack of health, posting a 5.11 ERA despite being healthy enough to step on the mound. Despite all the missed time, Lodolo will reach three years of service and be arbitration eligible at the end of the season, though the injury-related absences will hurt his earning potential.

Lodolo's problems are part of a series of injury problems for the Reds this year. Much of the planned lineup has been out of action for at least some time and the pitchers are in really bad shape right now. Lodolo joins Hunter Greene And Andrew Abbott on the IL, meaning that three of the club's best starters will be on the ice. In addition, there are guys like Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson And Christian Roawhich are also on the IL.

The Reds also traded Frankie Montas before the deadline, so their rotation looks very different than it did a month ago. Jacob Junisacquired in the Montas deal, steps in as the starter today. He has been a starter in the past, but hasn't thrown more than 2 1/3 innings in a game over the last month. He might have some workload limitations today, but perhaps he could show more effort to help the Reds finish the season.

The rest of the rotation consists of Nick Martinez, Carson Spires And Julian Aguiar. Martinez and Spires were in swing roles this year, but were needed in the rotation due to the issues mentioned above. Aguiar is a rookie with only two Major League appearances.

The Reds had yesterday off, but today begins a series of eight games in seven days, so they will need a fifth starter or some innings at some point. Williamson is beginning rehab, but will likely need some time to get back into shape. Lyon Richardson And Connor Phillips are on the 40-man list, but neither of them has had great results this year. Justus Sheffield is in a role outside the squad, but is not throwing well either. Outlook Rhett Lowder has only one start above Double-A and is not yet on the 40-man roster.

This is not an ideal situation to enter a disappointing season. The Reds entered the year with playoff hopes, but injuries have hampered them all year. They are currently eight games out of a playoff spot and it will be very difficult to get back into contention with so many of their core players out.