With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the second inning, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo wiggled his shoulders, lifted up his sleeve and tried to relax.
A former first-round pick and a top prospect, Lodolo was making his MLB debut against the Cleveland Guardians. He made a quick rise through the Reds farm system because of his command. After striking out two batters in the first inning Wednesday, Lodolo walked back-to-back batters in the second inning.
Then he fell behind 3-0 in the count against Cleveland left fielder Steven Kwan. Lodolo was one pitch away from ending the inning and turning around his debut.