This week’s focus on starting pitchers reveals several intriguing trends among some rising stars in Major League Baseball. Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds appears to be finally living up to his potential, showcasing significant improvements with a 2.25 ERA and a notable increase in the use of his changeup. Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals has similarly made strides, utilizing a revised changeup and cutter to bolster his performance. Ben Casparius of the Los Angeles Dodgers could see an expanded role as a starter, leaning on a new cutter that has improved his effectiveness. Finally, Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates has altered his attack strategy, relying less on his slider and more on his curveball.

Nick Lodolo showcased an impressive performance in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field, where he dominated the Colorado Rockies. He pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only two questionable infield hits, which highlighted his command on the mound. Lodolo's success can be attributed to his ability to control his pitches despite the challenging conditions of the thin air, which often disrupts a pitcher's breaking balls.

Backed by strong offensive support, particularly from Austin Hays who contributed two home runs, Lodolo's outing emphasized the importance of run support in securing victories. His current season stats now reflect a solid 3-2 record with a 2.25 ERA, displaying his capability as a reliable starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

Max Meyer, the third overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, showcased his potential with a career-high 14 strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds in a stellar performance on Monday. Pitching for the Miami Marlins, Meyer allowed only five hits over six innings, significantly improving his season's 2.63 ERA. This outing marked a significant turnaround after a difficult 2023 season, where he missed the entire year due to Tommy John surgery. Analysts have noted Meyer’s ability to command the game, effectively mixing his pitches and avoiding mistakes. His previous matchup against the Reds earlier this season saw him struggle, but this time, he demonstrated the talent that made him a top draft pick.

The Cincinnati Reds showcased their pitching prowess again as they secured a 1-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants, marking their first series win of the season. The game was highlighted by a stellar performance from starter Nick Lodolo, who pitched six shutout innings, striking out three batters and allowing only three hits. The decisive run came in the third inning, driven in by a groundout from Jose Trevino, scoring Spencer Steer, who had doubled earlier in the inning.

Graham Ashcraft and Emilio Pagan closed out the game, with Pagan earning his second save of the season. The Reds' defense was also crucial in preserving the lead, exemplified by Jake Fraley's impressive sliding catch that averted a potential game-tying hit from Heliot Ramos. Despite some threats from the Giants, including Casey Schmitt's pair of hits, the Reds held strong to secure the win and set their sights on a series sweep.

The Cincinnati Reds concluded their 2025 spring training with an emphatic 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, showcasing their strong offensive capabilities. Key contributor Elly De La Cruz finished the spring with a remarkable .409 batting average, complemented by four home runs and significant base-stealing prowess. Nick Lodolo, the Reds' No. 2 starter, delivered a dominant performance against the Guardians, completing six innings while striking out seven and yielding only three hits. Manager Terry Francona expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation going into the regular season.