CINCINNATI -- The Reds thought they had a 26-man roster good to go on Saturday, but an injury to No. 2 starter Nick Lodolo forced some pivoting.
Lodolo was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his left index finger, with the move retroactive to Monday. Right-handed pitcher Jose Franco was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to replace Lodolo on the roster. Left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson (oblique strain) was formally placed on the 15-day IL after he's been out for several weeks during Spring Training.
Because Lodolo is out, the Reds are also forced to scrap their planned "six for five" plan to carry six starting pitchers to cover five turns in their rotation. After Andrew Abbott opens the season vs. the Red Sox on Thursday, Brady Singer will move up to pitch the second game on Saturday. Rhett Lowder is scheduled to start on Sunday.
Chase Burns will pitch vs. the Pirates on Monday, followed by lefty Brandon Williamson on Tuesday.
That means three young arms will make up the back three of the rotation with Lowder and Williamson returning after missing all of 2025 with injuries.
Franco, 25, is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati's No. 12 prospect. He was optioned to Louisville on March 6 during an early round of spring cuts after he posted a 3.86 ERA in three games, with two starts.
In 31 games, including 26 starts, combined with Double-A Chattanooga and Louisville last season, Franco was 10-4 with a 3.11 ERA, 54 walks and 118 strikeouts over 110 innings.
Here is how Cincinnati's 26-man roster looks:
Catcher (2): Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino
The same duo that was behind the plate last season is back. Stephenson is the longest-tenured Red and Trevino is one of the club's most respected veteran leaders.
Infielders (5): Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Sal Stewart, Nathaniel Lowe
The final bench spot went to a non-roster player in the veteran Lowe, who plays first base and will be used as a left-handed bat off the bench.
Outfielders (5): TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, Dane Myers, Will Benson
Steer will be the everyday left fielder but could shift to other positions for or during games as needed. A strong defender, Myers, who was told he made the club a few days before Saturday's cuts, plays all three outfield spots and gives Cincinnati a true backup center fielder when Friedl needs a day off. Benson also earned his spot with a strong spring.
Designated hitter (1): Eugenio Suárez
Back with the club he spent seven seasons with from 2015-21, Suárez will be needed to provide big power and lineup protection for De La Cruz after he slugged 49 homers last season. He will also get time at first base and his normal position, third base, when it's needed.
Starting pitchers (5): LHP Andrew Abbott, RHP Brady Singer, RHP Rhett Lowder, RHP Chase Burns, LHP Brandon Williamson
With Hunter Greene and now Lodolo out, the Reds rotation's depth is going to be tested early. Franco's ability to start could supplement the group or serve as backup if there are short starts.
Relief pitchers (8): RHP Emilio Pagán (closer), RHP Tony Santillan, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Brock Burke, RHP Graham Ashcraft, LHP Sam Moll, RHP Connor Phillips, RHP Jose Franco
It's a deep bullpen with Pagán back after he saved 32 games last season. The additions of Johnson and Burke in the offseason will give manager Terry Francona more late leverage options. When Franco first pitches, he will be making his MLB debut.