Reds’ Brandon Williamson Exits with Elbow Strain, Adding to Cincinnati’s Rotation Woes

Cincinnati Reds left-handed pitcher Brandon Williamson left his Tuesday start against the Atlanta Braves in visible discomfort after throwing a pitch to Michael Harris II during the second inning. Williamson immediately showed signs of distress, prompting concern from the dugout and fans alike. He was removed from the game, and the Reds later announced via Charlie Goldsmith of the *Cincinnati Enquirer* that the pitcher had suffered an elbow strain.

As of now, the Reds have not provided further details beyond the initial diagnosis. It’s expected that Williamson will undergo imaging tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury.

This is the latest setback in an injury-plagued season for the 25-year-old. Williamson has struggled with health issues throughout the year, starting with a shoulder injury during spring training. Initially, it was feared that he would require surgery, but he was able to avoid the operating table through a regimen of injections and rehab. After missing a significant portion of the season, he finally returned to the Reds’ rotation earlier this month. In his first three outings since his return, Williamson allowed four runs (three earned) over 13 innings, showing some promise despite his earlier injury troubles.

Williamson had a solid, if inconsistent, rookie season in 2022, starting 23 games for Cincinnati. After making his MLB debut in May, the former TCU standout threw 117 innings with a 4.46 ERA. While he struggled early on, he found his groove after the All-Star break, posting a 3.97 ERA over his final 70 1/3 innings. His performance earned him consideration for a spot in manager David Bell’s Opening Day rotation for 2023, but his spring shoulder injury derailed those plans.

With just a few weeks remaining in the 2023 season, Williamson will almost certainly be shut down. The Reds will anxiously await the results of his tests to determine if there is any significant ligament damage, which could potentially require surgery and put his 2024 season in jeopardy.

If Williamson is placed on the injured list, he will join an already crowded Reds’ rotation injury list, which includes key starters such as Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott. Injuries to the pitching staff have played a major role in Cincinnati’s disappointing season.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, David Bell had expressed hope that Greene and Abbott might return before the season ends, according to Mark Sheldon of *MLB.com*. However, Lodolo, who was sidelined in late August with a finger sprain, has already been ruled out for the rest of the year.

The Reds’ rotation, decimated by injuries, continues to be a major hurdle for the team’s competitiveness as they look toward the offseason.

In 2022, Williamson made his MLB debut with Cincinnati, starting 23 games and pitching 117 innings with a 4.46 ERA. While his early performances were shaky, he showed significant improvement after the All-Star break, recording a 3.97 ERA across his final 70 1/3 innings. That late-season success made him a strong candidate for the Reds’ Opening Day rotation this year, but the spring shoulder injury disrupted his progress.

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, it is likely that Williamson will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. The Reds are now left to wait for the results of his tests to see if there is any ligament damage, which could necessitate surgery and threaten his availability for 2024.

Should Williamson be placed on the injured list, he would join a lengthy list of Reds starters already sidelined by injuries, including Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott. Cincinnati’s rotation has been hit hard this season, with injuries playing a major role in their underwhelming year.

Before Tuesday’s game, manager David Bell expressed cautious optimism about the potential return of Greene and Abbott before the season’s end, as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. However, Lodolo, who has been out since late August with a finger injury, has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

As the Reds’ rotation continues to suffer from injury setbacks, the team faces increasing challenges in finishing the season on a positive note.