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The Cincinnati Reds will begin the second half of the 2026 season with a revised starting rotation after Nick Lodolo was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a recurring blister. Rhett Lowder is expected to rejoin the starting staff alongside Brady Singer and Hunter Greene for the opening series against the Colorado Rockies. The change gives Cincinnati a healthy five-man rotation as the club resumes its National League playoff push.
The Cincinnati Reds will open the second half of the 2026 Major League Baseball season with a revised starting rotation.
This comes after injuries forced another pitching change.
Manager Terry Francona will send Brady Singer to the mound for the series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Rhett Lowder and Hunter Greene will follow, according to the team’s post-All-Star Break schedule shown during Sunday’s broadcast. This was confirmed by multiple outlets.
The rotation adjustment comes after left-hander Nick Lodolo went on the 15-day injured list because of a recurring blister on his pitching hand. Lodolo left his final start before the All-Star Break early. The Reds determined he needed additional recovery time before returning to the mound. As a result, Terry Francona said Lowder would move back into the rotation once the season resumed.
The Reds enter the second half looking to remain in the National League playoff race. This is after closing the first half with a loss to the Chicago Cubs. While the club has received strong pitching performances throughout the season, injuries have repeatedly forced Cincinnati to reshuffle its starting staff. According to Reuters and Sports Illustrated, the Reds believe the current alignment gives them the best opportunity to compete. They hope to be competitive over the coming weeks.
Why the Reds rotation changed
The biggest reason for the Reds rotation change is Lodolo’s injury.
The left-hander has dealt with blister problems before, and the latest issue resurfaced during his final outing before the All-Star Break. Cincinnati placed him on the injured list. This was done to prevent the condition from worsening and to allow him additional time to heal before returning later this season.
That decision created an opening for Lowder.
Lowder spent much of the first half as a starter. He then moved temporarily into the bullpen when Hunter Greene returned from the injured list. Francona emphasized that the bullpen assignment was never intended to be permanent. Instead, the Reds viewed Lowder as one of their most versatile pitchers. They planned to return him to the rotation if another opening developed.
The current projected rotation for the opening series against Colorado is:
- Brady Singer
- Rhett Lowder
- Hunter Greene
Following the Rockies series, Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns are expected to start the first two games of the Seattle series. This would give Cincinnati five healthy starters despite Lodolo’s absence.
What Rhett Lowder brings to the Reds rotation
The Reds rotation will again rely on Lowder’s ability to provide quality innings.
Although his overall numbers as a starter have been inconsistent this season, Lowder performed well in relief before the All-Star Break. He allowed only one run across five innings in two bullpen appearances. This gave the coaching staff confidence that he can step back into a starting role.
Francona has consistently praised Lowder’s willingness to accept different assignments.
According to FOX19, the manager said Lowder remains one of the organization’s best arms regardless of whether he starts or pitches in relief. That flexibility has helped Cincinnati manage injuries. It has also preserved depth throughout the pitching staff.
Another important factor is workload management.
The Reds decided not to use rookie All-Star Chase Burns during the All-Star Game. This allowed him extra rest before returning to the regular rotation. Multiple reports said the organization wants to carefully monitor Burns’ innings after his outstanding first half.
Reds hope healthy pitching fuels playoff push
Cincinnati’s success during the second half could depend on keeping its starting pitchers healthy.
Greene has returned from injury, and Abbott continues to provide stability near the front of the rotation. Singer remains an important veteran presence. If Lowder performs well while Lodolo recovers, the Reds could regain one of the National League’s deeper rotations. This will be possible once everyone is available.
The organization also has flexibility if additional injuries occur. Prospects and depth starters remain available in the minor leagues. However, Cincinnati hopes the current five-man group can stay intact through the stretch run. Maintaining consistent starting pitching will become increasingly important as the Reds continue their push for postseason contention.
Fans will get their first look at the updated rotation when Cincinnati begins its three-game series against the Rockies immediately following the All-Star Break.
FAQs
Why did the Reds change their starting rotation after the All-Star Break?
The Reds changed their rotation after Nick Lodolo landed on the 15-day injured list with a recurring blister on his pitching hand. His absence created an opening for Rhett Lowder to return to the starting staff.
Who is expected to start for the Reds against the Colorado Rockies?
Brady Singer is expected to start the series opener against the Rockies. Rhett Lowder and Hunter Greene are scheduled to follow in the three-game series.
Why is Rhett Lowder returning to the rotation?
Lowder previously moved to the bullpen when Hunter Greene returned from injury. With Lodolo unavailable, the Reds shifted Lowder back into the rotation to fill the vacancy.
How does Lodolo’s injury affect the Reds moving forward?
Lodolo’s absence reduces the club’s pitching depth in the short term. Cincinnati expects to rely on its remaining healthy starters while Lodolo recovers and works toward returning later this season.
