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Reds activate LHP Nick Lodolo ahead of 2026 debut

By Thomson Reuters May 8, 2026 | 2:27 PM

The Cincinnati Reds activated left-hander Nick Lodolo off the injured list for the ​first time this season ‌and he will start in Friday’s home game against the Houston Astros.

In a corresponding move, the Reds ‌optioned ​right-hander Jose Franco ⁠to Triple-A Louisville.

Lodolo, ⁠28, had the start to his season delayed by a blister on his left index ​finger. His return to the major leagues comes as ⁠the Reds are ⁠on a seven-game losing ​streak.

In 29 appearances (28 starts) for ​Cincinnati last season, Lodolo was 9-8 ‌with a 3.33 ERA and finished the season with two complete games and one ⁠shutout. Over four seasons with the Reds, he is 24-22 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 major league debut March 30 and has a 4.30 ERA in eight relief appearances.

–Field ​Level Media