Nick Lodolo makes a successful return for the Cincinnati Reds [Video]

CHICAGO (AP) — When it was over, Nick Lodolo smiled. It was only one game, but it meant a lot to the lanky left-hander — and the Cincinnati Reds.

Lodolo gave the Reds a lift in his first big league start in almost a year. He struck out 10 while pitching 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball in a 5-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

If the 6-foot-6 Lodolo can stay healthy, he could become a key part of Cincinnati’s rotation. But he was limited by injuries in the past two years.

“I feel way more prepared than I’ve ever been,” he said. “Just the things I’ve done for my body and everything to put myself in the best position is definitely the best it’s been in my career, so I’m excited to see that keep going.”

Lodolo made seven starts for Cincinnati in 2023 before he was sidelined by a stress reaction in his left …