The Cincinnati Reds are eagerly trying to climb their way up, going 5-5 in their last 10.
The climb will get a tad harder in the next 30 days, though, after pitcher Nick Lodolo was placed on the injured list.
Reds manager David Bell confirmed the 26-year-old suffered a blister on a finger of his pitching hand and will be put on the 15-day injured list.
He got the blister during their loss to the Boston Red Sox last Sunday.
"It really affected him mostly on the curveball," Bell said.
"He was still able to throw some good ones. Without his best pitches, that was a pretty good effort right there. Today was a little bit more challenging for him."
He will be out until July 9 since the injured list designation was retroactive to June 24.
Lodolo has been an ace for the Cincinnati Reds in his debut season.
He posted an 8-3 record and 2.96 ERA in 11 starts since starting on April 13.
Some even think he could make it to the All-Star Game.
Lodolo injury not serious
Fans and Reds staff can find solace that Lodolo's injury was not severe and will not need surgery.
Bell said they are being cautious with him and will observe the player again this week.
"The good thing is that it's not broken open," manager David Bell said Monday. "It's on the pad of his finger. We've just got to be sure that five days from now it'll be in good shape where it doesn't turn into something bigger than that."
The kid has been sensational this season, but consistency is the problem because of injuries.
This will be the third time the 26-year-old TCU Horned Frogs standout is placed on the IL.
He started the season as a spectator due to calf issues. He had one month of MLB action before getting put on the injured list again on May 15 because of a left groin strain.
Lodolo's absence will be huge for the Cincinnati Reds, who are currently third in the National League Central.
Nick Lodolo's replacement
In a related move, the Reds called up right-hander Yosver Zulueta from the bullpen to address the depleting roster.
Graham Ashcraft replaced Lodolo in the rotation. Ashcraft has a 16-18 record, a 4.80 ERA, and 229 strikeouts.
Comparing his stint for two clubs, he is 1-1 with four runs allowed and 3.00 ERA for Louisville and 5.05 ERA in 12 starts for the Reds.
Although his stint in the majors may not have been ideal, he has found good form since being demoted to Louisville.
Other players still on the injured bay for the Reds are first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand and outfielder TJ Friedl.
The former had a fractured hand last May 8 and is now set to undergo surgery, while the latter is on the 10-day injured list after trying to play through a hamstring injury.
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