Following the recent addition of Nick Lodolo to the injured list, the Cincinnati Reds are now operating without their top five starting pitchers.
In addition to Lodolo, who was placed on the injured list with a left middle finger sprain, the Reds are also missing Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson, and Graham Ashcraft.
The team made a corresponding roster move by calling up reliever Casey Legumina to fill the spot left by Lodolo. With only three starting pitchers remaining on the 26-man roster, the Reds are facing significant challenges in their rotation.
Long relievers Casey Kelly and Jakob Junis provide some depth, but the pitching staff is deteriorating as the season nears its end. Junis, who has struggled to pitch beyond 2 1/3 innings in his appearances since being acquired at the trade deadline, was scheduled to start on Tuesday.
Lodolo’s recent struggles, including his time on the injured list since June due to a blister, have impacted his performance.
Although the blister has healed, Lodolo has yet to regain the effectiveness of his signature breaking ball.
With the Reds’ rotation severely depleted, Nick Martinez, who began the season in the bullpen, has emerged as the team’s primary starter. Additionally, Carson Spiers, who has been pitching out of the bullpen recently, and Julian Aguiar, who has made two major league starts, are expected to contribute to the rotation.
The Reds also have prospects Rhett Lowder and Connor Phillips, who have recently reached Triple-A. Historically, the Reds have focused more on player development rather than short-term roster needs.
Veterans Brandon Leibrandt, Justus Sheffield, and Randy Wynne are also available in Triple-A. Leibrandt and Sheffield joined the organization mid-season, while Wynne was pitching in an Independent League last year before being signed by the Reds.
Overall, the Reds are navigating a challenging period with a significantly weakened pitching staff as they approach the final stretch of the season.
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