Lodolo (left index finger blister) tosses 5 scoreless frames in rehab start

CINCINNATI -- Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo, who has been on the injured list since before Opening Day because of a blister on his left index finger, had a rehab assignment start on Sunday with High-A Dayton.

Against South Bend at Day Air Ballpark in downtown Dayton, Lodolo faced 17 batters over five scoreless innings and allowed two hits while striking out seven. The lefty threw 51 pitches with 39 strikes.

Data did not immediately reveal how many sliders Lodolo threw in the game. It's been the slider that has caused his blister issue going back to his Minor League days.

Lodolo, who also spent time on the IL in 2024 and '25 with a blister injury, had to stop a Spring Training start on March 22 when one developed on the pad of his index finger. On April 2, during a rehab assignment start at Single-A Daytona, his outing was halted during the third inning after 40 pitches when the blister resurfaced as he tried to throw his slider.

Over the past three weeks, Lodolo has maintained a throwing program and has faced hitters in simulated games while throwing only fastballs.