Nick Lodolo came off the 15-day injured list to pitch 5⅓ innings of one-run ball to help the Cincinnati Reds win a season-high fourth straight game, 3-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.
Lodolo, who missed his last two starts while nursing a groin injury, allowed a first-inning home run to Paul Goldschmidt but otherwise stayed out of trouble against the hot-hitting Cardinals. The 26-year-old lefty allowed five hits, struck out three and did not issue a walk.
Lodolo, 26, improved to 4-2 with a 3.12 ERA in seven starts this season.
In a corresponding move, the Reds optioned right-hander Carson Spiers to Triple-A Louisville. Spiers, 26, appeared in four games in relief, going 0-0 with a 3.29 ERA.
The Associated Press Field Level Media contributed to this report.