MILWAUKEE -- In the wake of a premature exit from Thursday's start vs. the Pirates because of a right groin injury , Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo appeared cautiously optimistic that he could return sooner than later.

“I’m just going to go about my normal routine, play catch today and go from there," Lodolo said on Friday. "I just hope that I feel good. I assume I’m going to.”

During a 2-1 win over the Pirates, Lodolo pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings with two hits and one walk while tying a career high with 12 strikeouts. While feeling something during the top of the seventh inning, he exited with one out after throwing a pitch to Tommy Pham.

If the Reds make the postseason -- and if Lodolo is deemed healthy -- he would most certainly be slated to start either Game 2 or 3 of the Natio

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