Reds could turn Nick Lodolo's latest setback into a career-saving move

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo is on the injured list once again with an all too familiar problem. Lodolo exited his last start before the All-Star break after suffering a blister on his left index finger — the same injury that has sidelined him multiple times over the last three seasons.

The Reds fanbase is frustrated. The coaching staff is frustrated. Lodolo is frustrated. And while a number of keyboard cowboys on social media have offered up their advice — most of it completely ridiculous — there isn't an easy fix to this complicated problem.

Lodolo has tried numerous treatments and preventative methods over the last few years, and the issue continues to haunt his steps. He even tried to change his grip in 2024 and suffered a season-ending sprain to his left middle finger as a result.

At this point, the Reds may need to think outside the box in order to maximize Lodolo's potential. While he may not like the idea, perhaps it's time for Lodolo to move from the rotation into the bullpen.

Reds next steps with Nick Lodolo seem obvious — move him to the bullpen

Few starting pitchers want to move into a relief role. There are numerous reasons why, not the least of which is pride. But moreover, starting pitchers tend to receive quite the payday as opposed to relief pitchers. In other words, trying to convince a career-starter to move to the bullpen isn't necessarily the easiest task.

Most starters who lack command (Connor Phillips) or struggle to go through the batting order a third time (Graham Ashcraft) eventually find their way from the rotation into the bullpen. In Lodolo's case, however, it may well extend (or even save) his career.

Presumably, the extended time Lodolo spends on the mound and repetitive gripping and releasing of the baseball are the biggest culprits when it comes to his chronic blister issues. He's spoke before about the growing concern when the weather warms up and he sweats more often. These things could be somewhat alleviated with shorter stints coming out of the bullpen.

Furthermore, if Lodolo were to suffer yet another blister, it's much easier to replace a reliever than it is a starter. At most, relievers are asked to cover two (sometimes three) innings at a time. When a ball club loses a starting pitcher to injury, there's a much larger ripple effect.

Given the inevitable innings restrictions set to be placed upon both Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns during the second-half, it might be foolish to make such a rash change this season. But heading into the 2027 campaign — Lodolo's last year of arbitration eligibility — perhaps it's time to push him into a relief role.

This could not only help the Reds, but it could help Lodolo as well. He becomes a free agent after next season, and no team is going to pay him what he's truly worth as a starting pitcher because he's shown an inability to stay healthy. But if Lodolo could put together a solid season as a reliever, he might be able to cash in once he reaches free agency after the 2027 season.

If this type of plan works, it feels like a win-win for both sides. Lodolo has tremendous talent, but he's always on the IL. That famous saying, "the best ability is availability" certainly applies to the Reds' lefty, and his availability has been in question the past several seasons.

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