Reds' offseason acquisition set to make MLB debut after Nick Lodolo lands on IL again

The Cincinnati Reds' best starting pitcher is heading to the injured list once again. Nick Lodolo is headed back to the 15-day IL with a blister on his left hand. Lodolo struggled during his last start, and that blister was cited as a reason why.

Lodolo has been a star this season. The southpaw is 8-3 with a 2.96 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched. Lodolo has been manager David Bell's stopper this season, but will be out of the starting rotation for at least the next two weeks. Lodolo's placement on the IL is retroactive to June 24th.

The Reds recalled right-handed reliever Yosver Zulueta, whom Cincinnati acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason. Zulueta has been pitching for Triple-A Louisville this season and owns a 2.93 ERA in 23 appearances out of the Louisville Bats bullpen.

Yosver Zulueta set to make MLB after Nick Lodolo landed on the IL once again

This is yet another crushing blow to the Reds' pursuit of the playoffs in 2024. Cincinnati was struck by the injury bug in March with both Matt McLain and TJ Friedl beginning the year on the IL. The list has only grown in recent weeks with the likes of Brandon Williamson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand likely to miss extended time.

Lodolo's absence will likely mean the continued presence of Carson Spiers on the active roster. The right-hander performed well against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night at Great American Ball Park, and will likely be in line to start once again later this week against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lodolo's injury also opens the door for the return of Graham Ashcraft. Cincinnati optioned the right-hander to Triple-A earlier this month, but with a hole in the rotation, the Reds are in need of another starter. Look for Ashcraft to return to the active roster by Friday.

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