The Cincinnati Reds have reinstated left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo from the injured list for his first start of the 2026 season, setting him up to take the mound in Friday’s home matchup against the Houston Astros.
To make room on the roster, the Reds optioned right-handed pitcher Jose Franco to Triple-A Louisville.
Lodolo, 28, saw his start to the season postponed due to a blister on his left index finger. He returns to the majors as the Reds are enduring a seven-game losing streak.
Last season, Lodolo made 29 appearances (28 starts) for Cincinnati, posting a 9-8 record with a 3.33 ERA, and finished the campaign with two complete games and one shutout. Over four seasons with the Reds, he holds a 24-22 mark with a 4.06 ERA in 76 appearances (75 starts). He finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2022.
Franco, 25, made his MLB debut on March 30 and has a 4.30 ERA across eight relief appearances.
