Unavoidable last-second roster shuffle upends Reds' rotation plans vs. Orioles

The Cincinnati Reds will be without starter Nick Lodolo for the upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles. Take a deep breath, Reds fans. He's not headed to the injured list. Lodolo is going to become a dad. The Reds lefty was placed on the paternity list ahead of Friday's game against the Orioles and the Reds recalled right-handed pitcher Carson Spiers to take Lodolo's spot on the active roster.

Lodolo was scheduled to face the Orioles on Sunday, but it's now safe assume that Spiers will get the nod with Andrew Abbott and Hunter Greene starting Games 1 and 2 of the upcoming series, respectfully.

Lodolo's previous outing was his worst of the season. The southpaw went just 4 ⅔ innings of work while striking out six, but the Seattle Mariners—and specifically Dylan Moore—absolutely teed off on Lodolo. He surrendered four runs on five walks and walked one.

Reds starter Nick Lodolo placed on paternity list, Cincy activates Carson Spiers

Spiers enjoyed an outstanding start to the 2025 season. With Abbott and Rhett Lowder sidelined due to injury, Spiers made the Reds Opening Day roster and was named Cincinnati's fifth starter. On April 1 against the Texas Rangers, Spiers went six strong while allowing just one run on three hits while punching out five. Spiers was the hard-luck loser in that game, as Cincinnati's offense—like it has so many times already this season—failed to make an impact.

Spiers couldn't duplicate that performance his next time out, however, and after only logging 3 ⅓ innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 6, the right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. A few days later, Cincinnati activated Abbott from the IL to take Spiers' spot in the starting rotation. For his career, Spiers is 5-10 with a 5.58 ERA.

Congratulations are in order for Lodolo and his wife Brooke. This will be their first child, and Lodolo mentioned during an appearance on the Jim Day Podcast that the couple are expecting a baby boy. Once placed on the paternity list, a player may miss between 1-3 games, so Reds fans should expect to see Lodolo back on the bump for his next start.

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