When Cincinnati Reds Nick Lodolo played on the field at Great American Ball Park on Friday afternoon, he was still scheduled to come off the disabled list and start the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Lodolo has been on the 10-day disabled list since April 28. with a back injury, and the initial plan was for Lodolo to miss close to the minimum number of days. On Wednesday, before throwing a bullpen session, Lodolo confirmed that he hadn’t suffered any setbacks and that he was on track to start Saturday.
But then on Friday night, after Lodolo met with a team doctor, Reds manager David Bell said he was determined Lodolo would not start Saturday. Bell said there is no set date yet for Lodolo’s return, but Bell said he hasn’t been told that this back injury could be a long-term problem.
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“I really don’t know,” Bell said. “It’s definitely a concern that he can’t start today. I haven’t been told it’s a long-term problem. Anything that keeps a Major League player out for any length of time is obviously a concern. I don’t know exactly what that means by when.” We can expect him to come back.”
In his most recent start, Lodolo earned the win against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 24 after allowing only one run in 5 2/3 innings. Lodolo said he dealt with a back problem during that start, which led to his stint in the IL.
Luis Castillo is still scheduled to start for the Reds on Monday, which could virtually take Lodolo’s spot in the rotation. For the fifth starting spot, the Reds have Connor Overton at Triple-A and relinquish the claim to Robert Dugger, who could potentially move into a full-time role in the rotation.
The Cincinnati Reds roster has a new player: Jared Solomon
CALL: For Saturday’s doubleheader, the Reds promoted right-hander Jared Solomon, a relief prospect who had been to Triple-A.
Solomon was added to the Reds’ 40-man roster after the 2020 season, but missed all of 2021 due to Tommy John surgery. In 10 2/3 innings this season, Solomon hasn’t allowed a run in the minor leagues.
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“It’s been a long time coming,” Solomon said. “After rehab and everything, it was like, ‘I want to make it to the big ones. I don’t want to mess around anymore.'”
Solomon said he had his “I’m back” moment in the offseason during a live bullpen he pitched against AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. When Solomon struck him out, he said he gained more confidence that he could pitch in the big leagues in 2022.
“I think I’m much more in the zone, which is most of it,” Solomon said. “And (I’m) just staying focused the whole at-bat. Slider is playing really well. I’ve got a changeup. I haven’t had to pitch him much yet. But I’m really excited about it. When the opportunity comes up, I’m excited to pitch it. The overhand fastball has been really good for me.”
Reds infielder Donovan Solano still out
SOLANO KICKBACK: Reds infielder Donovan Solano, who hasn’t played this season due to a hamstring injury, is currently out of baseball activities after a setback.
Solano had been practicing batting and fielding ground balls. Then last week he received a PRP injection to deal with the ongoing pain, which slowed his progress.
Reference-www.cincinnati.com