Nick Lodolo Scheduled for 60-65 Pitch Rehab Outing with Daytona Tortugas

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo will throw 60 to 65 pitches for Single-A Daytona this Thursday as he works back from a left index finger blister.

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo is officially slated to throw between 60 and 65 pitches during a rehab assignment this Thursday. The 26-year-old southpaw will take the mound for the Single-A Daytona Tortugas in a Florida State League contest against the Jupiter Hammerheads. This scheduled appearance follows his placement on the 15-day injured list due to a persistent blister located on his left index finger. If the pitcher navigates this workload without physical setback, the Reds front office anticipates his return to the active roster during the upcoming series against the Miami Marlins.

Lodolo’s current season statistics include an 8-3 record and a 2.96 ERA across 12 starts, highlighting his importance to the Cincinnati rotation. He has surrendered only 59 hits over 70 innings of work while striking out 76 batters. His most recent Major League outing occurred on June 23, a performance that preceded the medical staff's decision to address the skin irritation on his throwing hand. The Florida State League environment provides a controlled setting for the medical team to evaluate how the finger responds to high-intensity breaking balls and fastballs under game conditions.

In parallel injury news, left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson is advancing through his recovery protocol for a right oblique strain. Before Wednesday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ferguson successfully completed a flat-ground throwing session at a distance of 90 feet. The 28-year-old bullpen arm has appeared in 33 games this year, posting a 5.11 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 24.2 innings. Team officials confirmed that Ferguson will accompany the squad on their forthcoming seven-game road trip, which features stops in Texas and Miami.

The logistical decision to include Ferguson on the travel roster indicates he is nearing the transition to mound work. While he has not yet been cleared for a full bullpen session, the 90-foot throwing distance marks a significant increase in intensity from previous light tossing. The Reds' relief corps currently holds a collective 3.84 ERA, and regaining a healthy left-handed option is a priority for manager David Bell. Monitoring the oblique's reaction to the torque of a full delivery remains the final hurdle before a potential minor league assignment for the veteran reliever.

Cincinnati’s pitching depth will be further tested as they navigate this mid-summer stretch without two key southpaws. The Nick Lodolo rehab start in Daytona is the primary focus for the organization’s scouting and medical departments this week. A successful 65-pitch threshold would likely negate the need for a second minor league appearance, allowing the former first-round pick to slot back into his regular turn. His presence in the rotation has historically correlated with lower bullpen usage, as he averages nearly six innings per start when healthy.

As the team prepares for the flight to Texas, the medical staff continues to oversee the daily progression of both pitchers. The intersection of Lodolo’s pitch count in Florida and Ferguson’s flat-ground program in Cincinnati defines the current state of the Reds' injured list. Fans and analysts alike are watching the radar gun readings from Daytona, seeking confirmation that the blister has fully calloused. These specific recovery milestones are essential for a club looking to stabilize its pitching staff before the next phase of the National League schedule.