Reds playoff push takes hit with Nick Lodolo scratched from start

The Cincinnati Reds will head into Tuesday's matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays without one of their best pitchers. Nick Lodolo, who just returned from the injured list after battling a blister issue for the past few weeks, was scratched from his upcoming start with an illness. According to Reds manager Terry Francona, Lodolo had a fever and was experiencing chills. Reliever Scott Barlow will act as the opener for the Reds' clash against the Blue Jays.

This is the last thing the Reds wanted to deal with as they attempt to chase down the New York Mets for the final NL Wild Card spot. The Reds came from behind during the ninth inning on Monday afternoon to take Game 1 from the Blue Jays, but were hoping for a strong effort from Lodolo in Game 2.

The focus now shifts to the Reds' bullpen, who got an extra lift on Monday with the addition of Yosver Zulueta. The Reds burned through four relief pitchers on Monday afternoon, including Barlow. Tuesday's start against Toronto will be the first of Barlow's eight-year Major League career.

Reds playoff push takes hit with Nick Lodolo scratched from start

The Reds are likely to lean heavily on Nick Martinez on Tuesday night. The right-hander was part of the rotation throughout most of the season, but the return of Hunter Greene last month allowed Cincinnati to push Martinez into a relief role.

In addition to Martinez, look for Francona to turn to the likes of Zach Maxwell, Connor Phillips, and Brent Suter, all of whom haven't pitched over the past two days. The Reds also called up left-hander Reiver Sanmartin on Tuesday and optioned Sam Moll back to Triple-A Louisville. Joe La Sorsa was designated for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Sanmartin.

Depending on how depleted the Reds' bullpen becomes after Tuesday's contest, it wouldn't be surprising to see the front office make another roster move before Wednesday's series finale against the Blue Jays. Players like Lyon Richardson and Luis Mey are currently pitching with the Reds' Triple-A affiliate in Louisville.

Entering play on Tuesday, the Reds still trail the Mets by four games. It remains to be seen how Francona will reallocate the starting staff if/ when Lodolo is is fully healthy, but he could now be a possibility to draw a start in the team's upcoming series against New York this weekend.

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