Reds Injury Update: Nick Lodolo's progress, Matt McLain's rehab, Spencer Steer

The Cincinnati Reds got a much needed 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night, and prior to the affair, manager Terry Francona provided injury updates for several key players.

Nick Lodolo was removed from his most recent start after he suffered yet another blister on his left index finger. This is a chronic injury that has haunted the Reds' lefty since he became a professional, and has sidelined him twice already this season.

Reds Injury News: Nick Lodolo plans to throw a bullpen session

But Francona told reporters on Tuesday that Lodolo plans to throw a bullpen session ahead of Wednesday's series finale against the Mariners. The Reds' skipper said the intensity of the exercise hinges on sound judgment on how Lodolo's finger responds during the bullpen session.

The next steps beyond this impending bullpen session are unknown. While a move to the bullpen seems like a prudent decision, Chase Burns' impending innings-limit might force Cincinnati's coaching staff to keep Lodolo in the rotation (for now).

Reds Injury News: Matt McLain & Blake Dunn set for rehab

Later this week, both Matt McLain and Blake Dunn are ticketed to join the Reds' Triple-A affiliate on rehab assignments. McLain is recovering from from a calf strain, while Dunn has been battling an elbow injury.

Ironically, prior to landing on the IL, both players were going in opposite directions. McLain was floundering for the second year in a row and looked to be losing his grip on his spot in the starting lineup. Dunn, on the other hand, had carved out a niche for himself and was hitting .282/.335/.387 at the time of the injury.

The timeframe for the upcoming rehab assignments is undetermined, though McLain is expected to return before Dunn. The Reds' outfielder will operate as the Louisville Bats designated hitter this Thursday, as he's still working his way back to throwing a baseball.

Reds Injury News: Spencer Steer was out of the lineup, but X-rays were negative

Spencer Steer was out of the Reds' starting lineup on Tuesday night in Seattle, but was available off the bench — though he never entered the game. After being plunked his left side during the top of the seventh inning of Monday's game against the Mariners, Steer was diagnosed with a rib contusion.

X-rays came back negative, however, and Reds fans can probably expect to see him back in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Mariners. Steer's been the Reds' most versatile player all season, and has been drawing trade interest of late.

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