“Forgotten Reds Pitcher Suddenly Back in the Mix After Nick Lodolo’s Shocking Injury

Yosver Zulueta hasn’t pitched in the Major Leagues since May 4, so asking the young right-hander to step back into a Cincinnati Reds team fighting for a playoff spot could be a big challenge. Still, Zulueta has been one of the Reds’ top minor league pitchers over the past two months and might be the best option if Nick Lodolo ends up on the injured list.

Lodolo was enjoying one of the best seasons of his career until he suffered a familiar injury Monday night against the Chicago Cubs. In the bottom of the second inning, after throwing a first-pitch strike to Justin Turner, Lodolo signaled to the Reds’ dugout for a trainer. The left-hander had developed a blister on his index finger and was pulled from the game. This same injury forced Lodolo out midway through last season and will likely land him on the IL again. With a worn-out bullpen, the Reds can’t afford to keep his roster spot open, hoping he recovers in time for his next start.

Yoszer Zulueta could receive surprise call-up after Reds starter Nick Lodolo’s injury vs. Cubs

Nick Martinez stepped in for Lodolo in the second inning and pitched 2⅓ innings in relief. It’s very likely Martinez will return to the Reds’ starting rotation later this week, which would create an opening in the bullpen.

Cincinnati’s relief staff is completely worn out. Brent Suter was unavailable Monday night after a long outing in the Speedway Classic. Scott Barlow, who threw two scoreless innings against the Cubs, is probably going to be unavailable on Tuesday. On top of that, Tony Santillan leads the league with 56 appearances, and Emilio Pagán isn’t far behind with 49, highlighting the urgent need for fresh arms in the Reds bullpen.

Zulueta made two Major League appearances earlier this season but has mainly been pitching out of the Louisville Bats’ bullpen since then. This year, he’s 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA and has struck out 52 batters over 42 innings. However, since June began, Zulueta has been nearly unhittable.

During this period, he’s allowed only four runs on six hits across 24 innings, striking out 32 batters. His walk rate of 9.3% is slightly higher than ideal, but that’s about the only notable concern with his recent performance.

The Reds have other options too. Players like Connor Phillips or Lyon Richardson could be recalled. Ian Gibaut was set to make his second rehab appearance Tuesday for the Bats, but the Reds might feel confident enough after his scoreless outing last week to activate him from the injured list sooner.

There are several possible moves ahead, and Cincinnati might make two roster changes Tuesday to bolster the bullpen. Both Sam Moll and Luis Mey still have minor league options left and could be sent down if the Reds want to make multiple moves in addition to placing Lodolo on the IL.