Reds starter Brandon Williamson exited Tuesday’s game against the Braves in visible discomfort after pitching to Michael Harris II in the second inning. The team later confirmed he suffered an elbow strain, as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and imaging tests are expected in the coming days.
Williamson has struggled with injuries this season, having spent a significant portion of it on the injured list due to a shoulder issue from spring training. Initially, surgery seemed likely, but he managed to recover with injections and returned to the MLB roster earlier this month. In his first three appearances, he allowed four runs (three earned) over 13 innings.
Last season, Williamson started 23 games for Cincinnati and posted a 4.46 ERA over 117 innings after making his MLB debut in May. He faced challenges early but improved after the All-Star break, finishing with a 3.97 ERA in 70 1/3 innings. Had he remained healthy, he had a strong chance of earning a spot in David Bell’s Opening Day rotation.
Now, with this elbow injury, the Reds will likely shut him down for the remainder of the season. If significant ligament damage is confirmed, it could require surgery, affecting his availability for next year.
If placed on the injured list, Williamson would join fellow pitchers Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott, as injuries have severely impacted Cincinnati’s rotation this season. Bell expressed hope before the game that Greene and Abbott could return before the season ends, while Lodolo, who went on the IL in late August with a finger sprain, will not return this year.
