Lodolo's Blister Trouble
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo exits Cubs game with severe finger blister, raising pitching concerns
Key Points
Lodolo threw 78 pitches over five innings before exiting, highlighting a relatively high workload in his blister-shortened start.
Carson Kelly hit a game-tying solo homer in the sixth, prompting a mound visit from manager Terry Francona and trainer Sean McQueeney before Lodolo left the game.
Sources described Lodolo's blister as severe enough to remove him from the game, with doctors or trainers planning further evaluation or tests to determine next steps.
The incident amplifies Cincinnati's pitching turmoil in 2026, as the Reds navigate rotation depth with Lodolo potentially headed to the IL, while teammates like Hunter Greene are healthy and Chase Burns deals with a groin issue.
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo left his start against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning on July 11 with a severe blister on his left index finger, and the Reds lost 5-3. MLB.com reported that the blister flared up after Carson Kelly hit a solo homer to tie the game, prompting manager Terry Francona and trainer Sean McQueeney to visit the mound before pulling Lodolo from the game.
Lodolo threw 78 pitches over five innings, allowing two runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts. The exit raises serious questions about his availability heading into the All-Star break, with the Reds already sitting at a 43-55 record, according to Cincinnati.com.
Blister Sends Lodolo Toward the Injured List Again
Lodolo's blister was described as severe enough to end his outing immediately. Trainers plan further evaluation to determine next steps, according to MLB.com. That evaluation almost certainly includes the possibility of an IL stint. Lodolo already spent time on the injured list in 2025 with a similar issue.
FantasyPros noted that this is not the first time a blister has cost Lodolo starts. He dealt with the same problem during spring training earlier this year. The recurring nature of the injury points to a durability concern that goes beyond a single bad day.
Carson Kelly Homer Triggers the Sixth-Inning Exit
Lodolo was cruising into the sixth when Kelly connected for a solo shot to tie the game. That was the moment everything changed. Francona walked to the mound with McQueeney, took a look at the finger, and pulled his starter. The Cubs then scored three more runs off the Cincinnati bullpen to pull away.
SI.com called the injury a turning point in the game. The Cubs turned a competitive start into a comfortable 5-3 win. For the Reds, it was another gut punch during a homestand that has yet to produce consistent results.
Reds Rotation Already Stretched Thin in 2026
Lodolo's exit adds pressure to a rotation already under strain. Chase Burns is dealing with a groin issue. Hunter Greene is healthy, but two starters managing injuries at the same time is a serious problem for any team. The Reds now face the likelihood of a rotation shuffle heading into the second half.
Cincinnati.com reported that the nine-game homestand has been a struggle. If Lodolo lands on the IL, the Reds will need to find a fifth starter fast. That could mean a call-up from Triple-A or a push for a trade before the deadline.
A Pattern of Blisters That Won't Go Away
Blisters are not a minor issue for pitchers. They affect grip, spin rate, and command. For Lodolo, they have become a season-long threat. He has now missed time in at least two straight seasons because of his left index finger, according to FantasyPros.
The Reds have invested heavily in Lodolo as a frontline starter. When healthy, he misses bats and works deep into games. But the blister problem casts doubt on whether he can stay in the rotation for a full season. Cincinnati management must now plan around that uncertainty again.
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