Nick Lodolo ramping up for a injury-free 2024 campaign

Reds left hander Nick Lodolo spoke to the media this past week and stated that he is pain-free when throwing off the mound. The southpaw missed the majority of 2023 with a stress fracture in his tibia. Tibia injuries are notoriously stressful on the body, especially a frame as tall as Lodolo's. “That’s where I got into trouble last year. I was feeling it and tried to continue going for a month-and-a-half. It just gave out," he said. "We’re trying to avoid that. We’re being smarter with the build-up.” Lodolo said when speaking to Brady Farkas of FanNation.

If the lefty can regain confidence in that leg, Lodolo can continue to build on a successful start to his career. Lodolo is a guy who is not trying to overpower a batter with his fastball. He tends to sit mid 90's with the four-seam and works to catch a hitter off balance with his breaking ball. Plus movement and a funky arm slot from a 6'6 frame make Lodolo a nightmare matchup.

Lodolo slots in as the Reds' 3 starter, behind Frankie Montas and Hunter Greene. Many within the organization believe Lodolo could make a significant jump this season barring injury. Minimizing mistakes is a large step in that jump. Lodolo got touched up some early in 2023, mainly due to breaking balls dropping in the middle third of the zone. If Lodolo can stay healthy and find ways to paint the corners, this Red's rotation looks that much stronger.