Nick Lodolo rejoins Reds starting rotation amid flurry of roster moves

Slowly but surely, the Cincinnati Reds are beginning to return to full strength. While the team is still without the likes of Matt McLain, Brandon Williamson, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, the Reds did get back one of their key starters on Tuesday afternoon.

Cincinnati activated Nick Lodolo ahead of his start against the Colorado Rockies. The left-handed hurler had been sidelined for the past two weeks after suffering a blister on his pitching hand during his last outing.

In order to make room on the active roster, Cincinnati optioned Yosver Zulueta back to Triple-A Louisville. The more surprising move actually happened on Monday when Graham Ashcraft was optioned back to the minors, a signal that Carson Spiers will actually be part of the Reds starting rotation heading into the All-Star break.

Nick Lodolo rejoins Reds starting rotation amid flurry of roster moves

But activating Lodolo wasn't the only move the Reds made prior to the first pitch on Tuesday. Austin Slater, whom Cincinnati acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants earlier this week, was activated after making the trek across the country to the Queen City on Monday.

The Redlegs optioned Livan Soto back to Triple-A in order to open up a spot for their newest addition. Slater has struggled against left-handed pitching this season, but historically has hit well against lefties. Look for the outfielder to rotate alongside Will Benson and Jake Fraley (when he returns) in left field.

Having both Lodolo and Slater on the roster will give manager David Bell some length in the rotation and an extra bat coming off the bench. The Reds won Game 1 of their four-game series against the Rockies on Monday night with a major contribution from rookie slugger Rece Hinds. Perhaps the duo of Lodolo and Slater will help Cincy make it two in a row.

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