Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo might have discovered an antidote to his chronic blister problems.
Lodolo's 50-pitch, three-inning simulation game on July 31 included 10 to 12 pitches using a new grip on his breaking ball that he and team officials hope will help avoid the blisters on his index finger.
The blister has plagued Lodolo in recent seasons, causing him to miss three weeks during his second stint on the injured list this year, and the first six weeks of the season. He's 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA in 12 starts this year.
"It feels good," Lodolo said after the sim game. "Definitely something that I'm excited about."
The new grip seems to create more of a slurve action on the breaking ball, which Lodolo threw only in the first of his three sim innings. He was happy with the results, throwing a lot of them for strikes.
"It's just getting comfortable with it and realizing how it's supposed to come out of your hand," Lodolo said, "because it's definitely different than what you're doing before."
Lodolo's curveball has been critical to his career success, playing off mid-90s four-seam and sinking fastballs. The Reds are hoping the new grip will help him regain his form for the 2027 season.
The Reds face the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 4, in a matchup that will give Lodolo a chance to test his new breaking ball in a live game.
Meanwhile, the team is dealing with several other injuries, including outfielder Blake Dunn, who is scheduled for elbow surgery on August 3. Manager Terry Francona said the extent of the surgery won't be known until Dr. Keith Meister opens up the elbow.
Left-handed starter Brandon Williamson is scheduled to start a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Chattanooga on August 1, while right-handed reliever Graham Ashcraft is set to throw his first bullpen session since his injury on August 4.
The Reds are looking to make a competitive reset next season, and Lodolo's new breaking ball could be a key part of that. With the team's roster moves and injuries in mind, it will be interesting to see how Lodolo's new grip performs in the coming weeks.
The Reds are expected to provide an update on Lodolo's next step in his rehab soon, which could include a return to the minor leagues for further testing of the new grip.
Source: Yahoo Sports