Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo excels in successful rehab start with Dayton

Nick Lodolo excelled in his first successful rehab start of 2026. He'll look to replicate that success in another rehab outing on May 2.

Pitching April 26 for the Cincinnati Reds' High-A affiliate in Dayton, Lodolo (left index finger blister) went five innings on a day when he was scheduled to pitch four. He tossed 39 strikes on 51 pitches, allowing just two hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. Reds manager Terry Francona said on April 28 that Lodolo included eight breaking balls in his 51 pitches, which was promising because his grip on those pitches can agitate the blister.

April 26 was Lodolo's first rehab start since his April 2 start with Low-A Daytona, which ended prematurely when the finger blaster issue reoccurred and knocked him out of the game after 40 pitches.

Francona said Lodolo will progress to a Triple-A outing May 2 with the Louisville Bats to face the Omaha Storm Chasers at Werner Park in Omaha, Nebraska. The game is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo excels in successful rehab start with Dayton