Reds' Nick Lodolo: Shoulder fully healed

Lodolo (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday at the Reds' training site in Arizona without issue and isn't expected to face any limitations during minor-league spring training, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "He's been here, and we're trying to build him up and make sure we're beyond the shoulder issues," Reds vice president of player development Shawn Pender said Wednesday. "We were cautious last year. I think rightfully so, based on some of the other things that were happening...He looks completely healthy."

Lodolo finished the 2021 campaign on Triple-A Louisville's 7-day injured list with a strained left shoulder, but the 24-year-old southpaw has been throwing off a mound for most of the offseason without incident. The injury in question limited him to just three starts for Louisville following his promotion from Double-A Chattanooga in early August. Lodolo's limited experience at Triple-A along with his lack of a 40-man roster spot makes an assignment to Louisville his most likely outcome to begin the season, but once big-league camp opens, he'll at least have a chance to compete for the Reds' No. 5 starter job along with youngsters Hunter Greene, Reiver Sanmartin and Riley O'Brien. Cincinnati could also look to add a veteran to compete for the role once the free-agent market reopens when the lockout is lifted.