Reds are quietly preparing Nick Lodolo for a surprise role in the MLB playoffs

The oft-injured Nick Lodolo finally fulfilled the promise the Cincinnati Reds saw in him when they made him the seventh-overall pick of the 2019 draft. Throwing a career-high 156.2 innings, the southpaw realized his potential, posting a 3.33 ERA and 3.81 FIP on the strength of an above-average 24.3% strikeout rate and sterling 4.8% walk rate.

For once, Lodolo was mostly healthy, though he did spend some time on the 15-day IL with a blister issue in August, and then had an injury scare with his right groin amid a spectacular 12-strikeout performance on September 25 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Despite the startling moment, Lodolo proved no worse for wear, coming on in relief during Sunday's matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers as the Reds clinched a postseason berth on the season's final day. That's led to some speculation that Lodolo could be used out of the bullpen if needed in the playoffs.

Nick Lodolo is ready for more relief appearances during the Reds' playoff run

Lodolo told Terry Francona that he was planning on pitching on Sunday with the Reds' season on the line, and his manager took him up on the offer, bringing him in for his first career relief appearance.

The gutsy determination, especially on the heels of an injury scare, is exactly what you want to see heading into October. Unfortunately, Lodolo's outing didn't go as well as one would have hoped.

In an inning of work, Lodolo faced seven batters, uncharacteristically walking two while also surrendering two hits, and getting tagged with an earned run. At the end of the day, the shaky outing proved to be inconsequential to the final outcome of the game.

Lodolo says he'll be ready for more relief outings if the team needs him. With Hunter Greene ready to lead the charge as the Game 1 starter, and Zack Littell scheduled to take the back in Game 2, the Reds might not need Lodolo in the rotation against the Dodgers.

That leaves the intriguing possibility that he could bring his varied four-pitch mix to the bullpen as a bulk option and thrive due to having a deeper arsenal than the average reliever. Should the Reds advance beyond the Wild Card round, his usage is anyone's guess.

One thing that is for sure is that Lodolo is ready and willing to help his team in whatever way possible, and his gritty decision to convince Francona to call upon him in the biggest of moments as a reliever is exactly the kind of selflessness that can serve a team well under the bright October lights.

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