URGENT UPDATE: The Cincinnati Reds have just announced that left-hander Nick Lodolo has been scratched from his scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays due to illness. This critical change comes as the Reds aim to close the gap in the playoff race, currently sitting four games behind the New York Mets for the third NL wild card spot.
In Lodolo’s absence, the Reds will turn to Scott Barlow, who is set to make his first career start. Barlow, a right-hander, is expected to take the mound for his 68th appearance this season, bringing a sense of urgency as the Reds look to secure a win against the AL East leaders.
Earlier today, the Reds also promoted left-hander Reiver Sanmartin from Triple-A Louisville to bolster their pitching staff. Meanwhile, Sam Moll has been optioned to Louisville, and lefty Joe La Sorsa has been designated for assignment.
Lodolo, 27, has had a solid season with an 8-7 record and a 3.22 ERA over 24 starts, logging 134.1 innings. This recent illness comes just after he faced challenges in his last outing against the Dodgers, where he allowed four runs in 4.2 innings during a 5-1 loss.
As the Reds prepare to face the Blue Jays, they are coming off a thrilling 5-4 victory in the series opener on Monday, highlighted by a game-ending single from Noelvi Marte that drove in two crucial runs. The stakes are high as Cincinnati gears up for a three-game series against the Mets this weekend, making each game vital for their playoff aspirations.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Barlow performs in his debut and how the team adapts to this sudden change. Stay tuned for further updates on Lodolo’s condition and the implications for the Reds’ playoff chances.
