MILWAUKEE -- In the wake of a premature exit from Thursday's start vs. the Pirates because of a right groin injury, Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo appeared cautiously optimistic that he could return sooner than later.
“I’m just going to go about my normal routine, play catch today and go from there," Lodolo said on Friday. "I just hope that I feel good. I assume I’m going to.”
During a 2-1 win over the Pirates, Lodolo pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings with two hits and one walk while tying a career high with 12 strikeouts. While feeling something during the top of the seventh inning, he exited with one out after throwing a pitch to Tommy Pham.
If the Reds make the postseason -- and if Lodolo is deemed healthy -- he would most certainly be slated to start either Game 2 or 3 of the National League Wild Card Series vs. the Dodgers.
Lodolo suggested he could even be back sooner, if needed from the bullpen.
“At least in my mind, I’ll get ready to pitch on Sunday -- if I need to," he said. "We’ll see how the next couple of days go, and go from there.”
Reds manager Terry Francona, while believing that Lodolo seemed to be doing OK, wasn't ready to go that far.
“We’ll see. We’ll go one step at a time," Francona said.
Over 28 starts and 155 2/3 innings this season -- both career highs -- Lodolo is 9-8 with a 3.30 ERA, two complete games and career-most 156 strikeouts.
Things looked less positive for left fielder Austin Hays, who has not played since exiting Saturday's game vs. the Cubs with back spasms.
Hays has tested his back in recent days by running.
“He went and hit during the game yesterday and he got a little uncomfortable," Francona said. "We’ve got to see where that’s going.”
Hays is slashing .266/.316/.454 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 102 games this season. He's endured three stints on the IL this season with three different injuries. The club has resisted placing him on the 10-day injured list, because it would leave him unable to make a potential postseason roster.