Return dates for Nick Lodolo & Hunter Greene lessen likelihood of MLB trade deadline deal

The Cincinnati Reds are in a pit of a pickle with the MLB trade deadline just days away. Will general manager Nick Krall make a move?

One thing that Krall and Cincinnati front office have to keep in mind is the impending return for starting pitchers Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene.

Lodolo's timeline was recently bumped up and Greene is expected to return to the rotation in mid-August. Will this keep the Reds from making a move at the trade deadline?

Return dates for Nick Lodolo & Hunter Greene lessen likelihood of MLB trade deadline deal.

Nick Lodolo, who's currently on the 60-day IL with a left tibia stress reaction, had his return date moved up from early-September to late-August. The left-hander has been out of action since May 6th.

According to MLB.com, Hunter Greene is expected to return on August 20th. Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell has mapped a path that sees Greene throwing live batting practice next week and begin a rehab assignment shortly after.

In addition to both Lodolo and Greene, relievers Casey Legumina, Tejay Antone, Vladimir Gutierrez, and even Justin Dunn are expected to return to the active roster in the next several weeks.

The Reds have been rumored to be in the market for pitching this summer, but haven't struck a deal just yet. Does the impending return of all these pitchers lessen the likelihood of Cincinnati adding another hurler before next Tuesday's deadline?

According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds GM Nick Krall said the club is building for sustainability, not just a one-year playoff run. In that same breath, however, Krall mentioned that the Reds would leave no stone unturned at this year's trade deadline.

Don't expect the forthcoming returns of both Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene to prevent a trade deadline deal, but the sense of urgency may be somewhat lessened.