Nick Lodolo's next start for the Cincinnati Reds is pushed back due to injury

When Cincinnati Reds Nick Lodolo played catch on the field at Great American Ball Park on Friday afternoon, he was still scheduled to come off the injured list and start the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lodolo has been on the 10-day IL since April 28 with a back injury, and the initial plan was for Lodolo to miss close to the minimum amount of days. On Wednesday, before he threw a bullpen session, Lodolo confirmed that he hadn't suffered any setbacks and was on track to start on Saturday.

But then Friday evening, after Lodolo met with a team doctor, Reds manager David Bell said that it was determined that Lodolo wouldn't start on Saturday. Bell said there isn't a set date yet for Lodolo to return, but Bell said he hasn't been told that this back injury could be a long-term issue.

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"I really don’t know," Bell said. "It’s definitely concerning that he can’t make a start today. I have not been told that it’s a long term issue. Anything that keeps a Major League player out for any amount of time is obviously concerning. I don’t know exactly what that means for when we can expect him back."

In his most recent start, Lodolo picked up the win against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 24 after he allowed just one run in 5 2/3 innings. Lodolo said that he dealt with the back issue during that start, which led to his stint on the IL.

Luis Castillo is still scheduled to start for the Reds on Monday, which could virtually fill Lodolo's spot in the rotation. For the fifth starter spot, the Reds have Triple-A call-up Connor Overton and waiver claim Robert Dugger, who could potentially slide into a full-time role in the rotation.

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CALL UP: For Saturday's doubleheader, the Reds promoted right-hander Jared Solomon, a relief pitching prospect who had been in Triple-A.

Solomon was added to the Reds 40-man roster after the 2020 season, but he missed all of 2021 due to Tommy John surgery. In 10 2/3 innings this season, Solomon hasn't allowed a run in the minor leagues.

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"It’s been a long time coming," Solomon said. "Coming off rehab and everything, it was just like, ‘I want to get to the bigs. I don’t want to mess around anymore.'"

Solomon said he had his "I'm back" moment in the offseason during a live bullpen he threw against AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. When Solomon struck him out, he said he gained more confidence that he could pitch in the big leagues in 2022.

"I think I’m in the zone a lot more, which is the biggest part of it," Solomon said. "And (I'm) just staying focused throughout the at-bat. Slider is playing really well. I have a changeup. I haven’t had to throw it a lot yet. But I am really excited about it. When the opportunity arises, I’m excited to throw it. The fastball above the hands has been really good for me.”

Reds infielder Donovan Solano still out

SOLANO SETBACK: Reds infielder Donovan Solano, who hasn't played this season due to a hamstring injury, is currently not participating in baseball activities after a setback.

Solano had been taking batting practice and fielding ground balls. Then last week, he received a PRP injection to deal with ongoing soreness, which set back his progress.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Nick Lodolo will stay on Cincinnati Reds injured list