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Reds Put Williamson on IL, Rotation Shaken, 19-11 Start

5/1/2026

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Summary

Williamson to IL

The Cincinnati Reds placed starter Brandon Williamson on the 15-day IL for shoulder fatigue.
After an MRI showed no damage, Williamson got a shot and began rehab.
He left after innings in the April 29 13-2 loss to Colorado, posting a 2-3 record and a 6.11 ERA.
Rotation lacks Hunter Greene, out until mid-July, and Nick Lodolo, rehabbing a finger blister.
The Reds are 19-11, their best 30-game start since 2006.

Summary

Maxwell Recalled

The Reds recalled right-handed reliever Zach Maxwell from AAA Louisville, where he posted a 5.91 ERA with 17 strikeouts and eight walks in 10 2/3 innings.
Maxwell’s 2025 major-league stint included eight relief appearances for Cincinnati, yielding a 4.50 ERA over 10 innings.
His delivery adds opposite-handed depth to the bullpen as starter Brandon Williamson stays sidelined after Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

Summary

Reds Shortage

The Reds' front office faces a shortage because the team has no other starters on its 40-man roster, limiting replacement options.
Minor-league pitcher Julian Aguiar remains on the injured list, further constraining organizational depth.
If Brandon Williamson’s shoulder fatigue causes a prolonged IL stay, the club may need permanent rotation adjustments.
Management is weighing whether to accelerate Nick Lodolo’s return from a finger blister or pursue long-term solutions.

Summary

Reds Rotation

The Reds are 19-11 with a 4.57 ERA, ranking above only five MLB teams despite missing three starters.
The schedule gives the club no off-days until May 11, forcing a makeshift rotation through a tight stretch.
Management hopes left-hander Nick Lodolo’s return will stabilize the rotation and preserve early-season momentum.
Ahead of the Chicago Cubs start, the Reds must use relievers or minor-league call-ups to sustain the winning streak.

History

Historical Context

After Robert Castellini bought the Reds in 2006, new GM Wayne Krivsky reshaped the roster—trading for pitcher Bronson Arroyo, who debuted on April 5, 2006, and bolstering the bullpen with Eddie Guardado. Managed by Jerry Narron, the club finished 80-82, yet a mid-season surge sparked a playoff push. Today’s rotation woes, highlighted by Brandon Williamson’s shoulder fatigue, echo that reliance on depth and rapid call-ups.

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Williamson to IL

The Cincinnati Reds placed starter Brandon Williamson on the 15-day IL for shoulder fatigue.
After an MRI showed no damage, Williamson got a shot and began rehab.
He left after innings in the April 29 13-2 loss to Colorado, posting a 2-3 record and a 6.11 ERA.
Rotation lacks Hunter Greene, out until mid-July, and Nick Lodolo, rehabbing a finger blister.
The Reds are 19-11, their best 30-game start since 2006.

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