The 2022 season has been a forgettable one for the Cincinnati Reds.
They are 56-86, 30 games below the .500 mark and with no hope of making the playoffs.
They have, however, given their young players a platform to show their talent and audition for a long-term role in the club.
One of those young players is Nick Lodolo.
The young left-handed pitcher keeps showing why the Reds had to make him a top-ten pick in the 2019 MLB Draft in order to get his services.
“Nick Lodolo is the first Red and fourth LHP in MLB since 1901 with 11+ strikeouts and 0 walks in consecutive starts. (h/t @jluckhaupt),” the team tweeted on Wednesday afternoon after his start.
Nick Lodolo is the first Red and fourth LHP in MLB since 1901 with 11+ strikeouts and 0 walks in consecutive starts.
(h/t @jluckhaupt) pic.twitter.com/iShzluxnUl
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 14, 2022
Lodolo Has Turned It Up During The Second Half For The Reds
Lodolo gave up three runs while striking out 11 over 6 1/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The most impressive part of his outing is that his stuff generated a whopping 16 swings and misses.
Having two consecutive outings with no walks and 11 strikeouts is quite impressive, particularly for a rookie.
Specialists say that a pitcher’s BB/K ratio is perhaps the best indicator of future success.
If a hurler is capable of limiting self-inflicted damage via walks and get out of jams with lots of strikeouts, he will be well positioned to have a nice career.
Since the second half started, the first-year southpaw has a 2.95 ERA and 75/18 K/BB ratio over 61 innings.
The Boston Red Sox are next on the calendar for him, as he tries to improve over his already impressive 3.78 ERA.
Lodolo is a big part of the Reds’ future in the rotation, and he has shown in 81 innings that he belongs.
NEXT: Reds Fans Are Given A Sad Reminder Wednesday Afternoon