CHICAGO – The Cincinnati Redsappear close to getting one more piece of their pitching staff back from the injured list just in time to get a lengthy look down the stretch to help with 2027 planning in the wake of Hunter Greene’s latest elbow surgery.
Left-hander Brandon Williamson, who showed the promise of a long-term starter during a 2023 debut season until injuries derailed the three seasons since, has at least one more minor-league rehab start with Louisville before the club will determine its next move on his return path.
Williamson, who has been on the injured list since the end of April because of “shoulder fatigue,” threw 31 pitches in two scoreless
innings Tuesday (Aug. 11) in his most recent rehab start before the game was suspended because of stormy weather. He then simulated two more innings in the bullpen, reaching a total of 65 “pitches.”
“Now it’s not a game, but he got to 65,” manager Terry Francona said.
Next up is a rehab start Sunday (Aug. 16).
After that?
“Some of it’s dependent on what’s going on here,” said Francona, whose team returns home from a road trip for eight games in seven days at home, starting Friday, a stretch that includes an Aug. 17 doubleheader against the Cardinals.
“We’ve just gotta figure things out,” the manager said.
With Greene expected to be out until at least late next season, Williamson could become an even more important part of the Reds’ plans for next year if he finishes the season strong.
The Reds still awaited the details of Greene’s Aug. 12 surgery in Los Angeles as of an hour or so before their game against the White Sox that night. The extent of the repair to Greene’s UCL would determine whether the 2024 All-Star would be expected to return at all next season.
Greene underwent surgery on the same elbow in March to remove bone chips. He also had Tommy John surgery as a minor-leaguer.
For now, the Reds have Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, Brady Singer, Chase Burns and Nick Lodolo in their rotation.
Singer is a free agent at the end of the season but is in play for a possible return next year, either on a $23 million qualifying offer or new multiyear contract. The four others are under club control into next season.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How this pitcher might help Reds solve Hunter Greene's absence
