Reds fans devastated after injury spoils promising Nick Lodolo start vs. Cubs

Nick Lodolo dispensed of the Chicago Cubs 1-2-3 during the bottom of the first inning on Monday night at Wrigley Field, but the Cincinnati Reds starter left the early after what appeared to be an issue with the index finger on his left hand. Lodolo exited with two outs in the bottom of the second inning and was replaced by starter turned reliever Nick Martinez.

On the plus-side, the injury did not seem to be severe. No reports were available immediately following Lodolo's early-exit, though the Reds' team account on X later reported that that the southpaw left the game with a blister on his left index finger. Coming into Monday's game against the Cubs, Lodolo had answered the bell every single time this season — a much-needed change following several seasons riddled with untimely injuries.

Unfortuantely, it now appears that another ailment has popped up. After exhausting their bullpen during the suspended Speedway Classic over the weekend, the Reds really needed Lodolo to go deep into Monday's game. The hope for the Reds, of course, is that Martinez can give the team at least three-plus innings in relief.

Reds fans devastated after injury spoils promising Nick Lodolo start vs. Cubs

According to the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast team, every pitcher in the Reds bullpen except for Brent Suter is available to on Monday. The Reds did, however, option Lyon Richardson back to Triple-A Louisville following Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Braves in the Speedway Classic.

The 2025 campaign was shaping up to be Lodolo's best season to date. He'd already set a career-high in starts (22), and in the absence of Hunter Greene, was jockeying with Andrew Abbott for the title of team ace. Heading into Monday's game in Chicago, Lodolo was 8-6 with a 3.09 ERA. The lefty had 123 strikeouts in a career-best 121 innings pitched.

More information should be available following Monday's game against the Cubs, but the Cincinnati faithful are waiting with bated breath hoping that Lodolo will be able to make his next start. If not, it's quite likely that Martinez will be thrust back into the rotation as the team's fifth starter until Greene returns from the IL.

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