Reds starter Nick Lodolo takes his biggest positive step of spring training

GOODYEAR, Ariz. –– Over the last week, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo had multiple check-ins with team doctors and specialists  to make sure that he was on the right track as he wrapped up his comeback from last year’s tibia injury. Based on the results, Lodolo continued forward with his progression as he gets ready for the season.

On Wednesday, Lodolo threw two simulated innings, facing Reds infielders Matt McLain and Jonathan India. Lodolo pitched very well, and he said that his next step will be appearing in his first spring training game.

“I’m good,” Lodolo said. “That was another progression that I hit.”Lodolo said that his check-ins over the last week didn’t tell him anything that he didn’t already know. He was already working on a five-day pitching schedule, and threw simulated innings twice over the last 10 days.

“We were just double checking stuff because we don’t want to end up in the spot we were in last year,” Lodolo said. “I’m excited.”

Updates on Jonathan India, Matt McLain

The Reds' group of position players is getting very close to full strength.

Reds manager David Bell said second baseman Matt McLain (oblique) could return to spring training games this weekend. McLain, who has been swinging over the last week, is scheduled to track pitches in a live bullpen against Reds pitchers on Wednesday and fully participate in a live bullpen against pitchers on Thursday. The next step would be playing in a spring training game.

Infielder Jonathan India (foot) is scheduled to make his spring training debut on March 8. India has been going through a build up progression this spring but has been hitting, fielding and running throughout camp.

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Infielder Noelvi Marte (hamstring) returned to game action last week. McLain and India had been the only position players on the 40-man roster who hadn't been playing in games, and now they're both on schedule.

Looking around the division

The St. Louis Cardinals had already announced former Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Sonny Gray as their Opening Day starter for this year. On Tuesday, the Cardinals’ plans changed when Gray suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for the opener.

Starting pitching health is a clear turning point for the Reds’ season and their rivals’ seasons.

In Reds spring training, keeping the Reds’ starting pitchers healthy for the entire season has been a big discussion point since the first day of the spring because of how important health will factor into their season.

“The goal for our starters, and I really believe it’s the next step in their development, is to prepare and get through a full season through October,” Reds manager David Bell said. “It’s 162 games and through October. They’re working hard to do that. We’re all excited to see what some of our young pitchers can do when they stay healthy all year.”

While Gray’s hamstring injury isn’t expected to be major, the Cardinals are counting on him to turn around a rotation that really struggled in 2023. Gray’s injury is an example of how quickly a team’s pitching plans for the year can change.

Last year, Hunter Greene, Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft all spent a significant amount of time on the injured list. With Frankie Montas now also in the mix, keeping starting  pitchers who got hurt last year healthy is even more of a priority and could shape the division race.

“The No. 1 thing is we need them to go from pole-to-pole, front start to finish,” Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson said. “It’s one thing they haven’t done as a group yet. That for me is the primary thing. I can’t control all of that, nor can they. We’re doing whatever we can to keep them healthy. If they’re healthy, you’ll see a lot of maturation as they go.”

Jose Barrero battling for utility spot

Reds utility player Jose Barrero, last year’s shortstop on the Opening Day roster is in a make-or-break camp. The 25-year-old is out of options, and the Reds will have to place him on waivers if he doesn’t make the team to open the year.

Barrero is competing for the 26th spot on the roster with players like Bubba Thompson, Tony Kemp, Mike Ford, Josh Harrison and Stuart Fairchild, who’s the favorite to claim that spot.

“It’s the mentality I have to have going into this,” Barrero said via interpreter Jorge Merlos. “I’m always going to give the team an opportunity to win. That’s what I have to do to keep going as much as I can to show the team what I can do.”

Barrero posted a .619 OPS in the big leagues last year, got sent down during the summer and then showed some improvement in Triple-A with a .853 OPS. This spring, Barrero has mostly played right and left field, and he has also played some center field and third base.

“He has had some success and some ups and downs,” Bell said. “Overall, he has handled it well. He’s still young. He does a lot of things. He’s still trying to get to a point where he can take off. We’re seeing signs. He has been working really hard and making adjustments he can hold onto for a long period of time. It showed up (with the home run on Sunday). Let’s see if we can hold onto that and keep it consistent.”

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds starter Nick Lodolo takes final step before spring training debut