URGENT UPDATE: The Cincinnati Reds have just announced that left-hander Nick Lodolo will not take the mound for his scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays today, July 25, 2023, due to illness. This unexpected development comes as the Reds aim to close the gap in the playoff race, currently trailing the New York Mets by four games for the third National League wild card spot.
In Lodolo’s absence, right-hander Scott Barlow is set to make his first career start against the AL East-leading Blue Jays. Barlow, who will be making his 68th appearance of the season, is stepping into a critical role at a pivotal moment for Cincinnati.
Earlier today, the Reds also activated left-hander Reiver Sanmartin from Triple-A Louisville, enhancing their pitching depth just ahead of this crucial matchup. To make room for Sanmartin, lefty Sam Moll was optioned to Louisville, while Joe La Sorsa was designated for assignment.
This season, Lodolo has demonstrated impressive performance with an 8-7 record and a 3.22 ERA across a career-high 24 starts, pitching 134.1 innings. His last outing saw him struggle against the Dodgers, allowing four runs in 4.2 innings during a 5-1 loss.
Cincinnati secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays in the series opener on Monday, highlighted by a game-ending single from Noelvi Marte in the ninth inning, driving in two runs.
As the Reds prepare to face Toronto without Lodolo, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Barlow performs under pressure. The stakes are high as Cincinnati gears up for a weekend series against the Mets, making today’s game even more critical.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and follow the action live as the Reds strive to keep their playoff hopes alive!