Reds: Ranking the most likely replacements for injured starter Wade Miley

5. Nick Lodolo, Reds left-handed pitcher

Nick Lodolo, who could see the major league field this season, is most likely not atop the list of names likely to fill Wade Miley’s spot in the Cincinnati Reds rotation. Sure, Lodolo would add a left-handed arm to the rotation, but his inexperience is going to keep him at the back of the pack.

Lodolo has seen time in just one Cactus League game thus far this spring. That said, in that one game, the lefty didn’t allow a hit or a run and recorded one strikeout. Lodolo’s stuff will play at the major league level, but the lack of a minor league season in 2020 really hampered his development.

Lodolo was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but decided to honor his commitment to Texas Christian University. The southpaw was plucked with the No. 7 pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds and was the first pitcher off the the board. Lodolo has an advanced skillset and three above-average pitches in his arsenal.

While Nick Lodolo may not be ready to replace Wade Miley in the Reds rotation just yet, his time is coming. In fact, if Miley struggles in 2021, Lodolo might be the most likely longterm replacement for the former Milwaukee Brewers’ starter. Lodolo could make his major league debut in 2021, but if not, we’ll definitely see the southpaw on the hill for Cincinnati next season.