The Cincinnati Reds are having a tough time maintaining in the NL Central, as they sit third in the division. Moreover, the Reds' woes increased with a concerning injury update on key pitcher Nick Lodolo.

Lodolo has been dealing with a blister on his left index finger, which further bothered him in the 7-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. The Reds have decided to move him to the 15-day injured list to “just try to get [Lodolo's finger] right,” according to manager David Bell, per MLB.com. Bell claimed that Lodolo's ailment has especially affected his curveball. Hopefully, the star pitcher will undergo a speedy recovery so so can he can play without discomfort.

Nick Lodolo has been vital to Cincinnati's defensive stand through the first part of the 2024 season. Through 12 games, the 26-year-old possesses an 8-3 record, which ties him for ninth in the league. In addition, he holds a 2.96 ERA and has thrown 73 strikeouts with a 1.07 WHIP.

Thankfully, the Reds have other pitchers who can help their defense stay afloat in Lodolo's absence. Hunter Greene leads Cincinnati in ERA (3.35) and strikeouts (98). Meanwhile, Alexis Diaz and Fernando Cruz lead the team in saves and holds, respectively.

Despite Nick Lodolo's injury, the Reds won two of their three games in the Red Sox series. They beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 on Monday and are amid another intense battle on Tuesday night. Cincinnati is looking to win their last two matchups and build much-needed momentum to close out the month of June.

Reds look to overcome struggles amid subpar start

Cincinnati has what it takes to climb the NL Central. They have not gotten out to the start they hoped for, but they can still fulfill some of the bold predictions analysts laid out for them at the beginning of the season. ClutchPoints' Alex House predicted that offensive star Elly De La Cruz would lead the National League in stolen bases during the 2024 season.

“Elly-Mania did not last as long as fans would have liked last season, but the shock waves it sent through Cincinnati and the baseball-watching world are still reverberating. A strong 2024 showing that sees De La Cruz raise his paltry .235 batting average and .300 on-base percentage should ensure that the hype train rolls forward at full force,” House wrote when 2024 spring training got underway.

“Though, even if the 22-year-old shortstop needs some more time to refine his plate discipline (33.7 strikeout rate as a rookie), he will continue to captivate fans with his elite speed and athleticism. In 2023, Elly De La Cruz stole 35 bases in just 98 games to finish ninth-best in the MLB. This year, he is coming for the top spot,” House added.

So far, De La Cruz is proving House's prediction right. Through 79 games, De La Cruz possesses a league-leading 37 stolen bases. Nevertheless, the Reds need him to continue to up his offensive game to help them spark a run and get back into playoff contention.

As July fast approaches, can the Reds overcome their woes and climb the division?