Lodolo (blister) makes rehab start at Triple-A, on track to return soon
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CINCINNATI -- Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo made a rehab start Wednesday afternoon for Triple-A Louisville, and depending on how he felt coming out of the outing, the lefty could soon return to the big leagues.
Lodolo, who went on the injured list for the second time this season July 12 with a blister on his left index finger, worked 4 1/3 innings at St. Paul and allowed three runs and five hits with two walks, four strikeouts and a wild pitch. Targeted to throw 60-65 pitches, the 28-year-old threw exactly 65 pitches with 37 strikes.
Manager Terry Francona and his coaches kept an eye on how Lodolo looked early on.
“We were just watching. [He was throwing] 94-95. He looked OK," Francona said.
Lodolo's blister issue throughout his career has stemmed from his grip while throwing his breaking ball. He modified the grip slightly in recent weeks and tested it successfully last week while facing hitters in live batting practice. On Wednesday, Statcast data showed that he threw 15 curveballs to St. Paul but garnered seven strikes, only two swings and one whiff.