Reds are finally getting Nick Lodolo back at the exact moment it matters most

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo is nearing a return, according to manager Terry Francona. The lefty, who has missed much of the month due to a blister, will likely start Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His return during a crucial West Coast road trip will be a boon to the Reds’ rotation not only because of his pitching prowess, but also because of the return’s timing. Extra rest, a relieved bullpen, and Lodolo himself may make the difference down the stretch.

A Wednesday start by Lodolo would give the current starters an extra day of rest thanks to a Thursday off-day to travel back to Cincinnati. Given the injuries to Hunter Greene and Chase Burns, the rotation has been carrying a heavy load in recent weeks.

Reds are finally getting Nick Lodolo back at the exact moment it matters most

Pitching on five days’ rest, Zack Littell has an ERA of 3.21, substantially better than his 3.90 ERA on four days’ rest. Similarly, Andrew Abbott’s ERA drops about a quarter of a run when he gets extra rest.

It also seems likely that Lodolo will supplant Nick Martinez and move him to the bullpen. The relief corps has been battered in recent games. In August, the Reds’ relievers have allowed opponents a .741 OPS despite yielding an MLB-best 24.9% hard-hit rate. Martinez could take the pressure off the ‘pen.

Of course, Lodolo’s return will, in and of itself, be beneficial to the Reds. He’s having a career-year that has been overshadowed by Burns’ debut and Abbott’s breakout success. Lodolo is averaging roughly 5 ⅔ innings per start this season, making him a better innings eater than every Reds starter other than Abbott, who averages nearly six innings per start. That length will also help preserve a bullpen that could prove crucial in high-pressure games toward the end of the season.

Just as Greene’s return seemingly injected new life into a staggered Reds team, Lodolo could be a jolt of energy as the season wanes. Six of the Reds’ final 10 series will come against teams ahead of them in the playoff race (either division leaders or Wild Card candidates). Lodolo might be exactly what the Reds need to keep pace and make it to October baseball.

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