The Cincinnati Reds activated left-hander Nick Lodolo off the injured list for the first time this season and he will start in Friday's home game against the Houston Astros.

In a corresponding move, the Reds optioned right-hander Jose Franco to Triple-A Louisville.

Lodolo, 28, had the start to his season delayed by a blister on his left index finger. His return to the major leagues comes as the Reds are on a seven-game losing streak.

In 29 appearances (28 starts) for Cincinnati last season, Lodolo was 9-8 with a 3.33 ERA and finished the season with two complete games and one shutout. Over four seasons with the Reds, he is 24-22 with a 4.06 ERA in 76 appearances (75 starts). He finished sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2022.

Franco, 25, made his major league debut March 30 and has a 4.30 ERA in eight relief appearances.