Reds finally get encouraging Nick Lodolo injury update fans have waited for

The Cincinnati Reds are sitting atop the NL Central standings despite beginning the season without two of their top starting pitchers. Though Hunter Greene isn't expected back until closer to the All-Star break, Nick Lodolo's latest rehab performance could have the Reds' eyeing his return sooner rather than later.

Despite Lodolo's best efforts to curtail the blister issues that have haunted him throughout his professional career, he's was sidelined with a blister on his left index finger to begin the year. He suffered the injury during his final start of spring training and re-aggravated it during a rehab assignment earlier this month.

Nick Lodolo's rehab outing gives Reds fans hope for quick return

Thankfully, Lodolo came out of his latest rehab outing unscathed. The left-hander took the mound for the Dayton Dragons on Sunday and was scheduled to toss just four innings. He was so efficient, however, that he lasted through the fifth inning having thrown 51 pitches, 39 of which landed for strikes.

It must be stated that Lodolo was facing High-A competition — some of the opposing hitters may've been 10 years his junior. But the most important aspect of the outing was that he was able throw 50-plus pitches — including his slider — and didn't have any setbacks.

Lodolo admitted that he probably came back a little too early when he took the field for his first rehab start with the Daytona Tortugas back on April 2. He worked just 2⅔ innings before being lifted after striking out four batters. The Reds gave him more time off and altered his rehab routine before sending him back out on a rehab assignment.

It's assumed that Lodolo will take the mound again before weekend. Both the Dragons and the Louisville Bats are on the road this week, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Lodolo's assignment moved to Double-A Chattanooga. The Lookouts are at home against the Birmingham Barons, which would allow the Reds' lefty to get another start under his best before returning to a Major League mound during the first full-week of May.

Brady Singer and Andrew Abbott have taken their lumps during the early going, and Brandon Williamson has struggled with his command. But the young starting duo of Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder have helped keep the rotation afloat with both Lodolo and Greene on the mend.

If Lodolo can get to 70-plus pitches during his next rehab outing, it's a good bet that he could return to the Reds rotation next week against the Chicago Cubs. The Reds need Lodolo back, but most importantly, they need him back healthy.

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