Full Breakdown
Reds Place Left-Handed Starter Brandon Williamson on Injured List Amid Rotation Woes
5/2/2026, 1:52:02 AM
Williamson Sent to 15-Day Injured List
Cincinnati placed left-handed starter Brandon Williamson on the 15-day injured list with left-shoulder fatigue after three innings of a 13-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies, allowing four runs on four hits and four walks. An MRI showed no structural damage; the club gave a cortisone injection and will start a shoulder-rehab program. No return date was given.
Rotation Depleted by Injuries
Williamson’s absence adds to a string of setbacks. Hunter Greene remains sidelined with a right-elbow issue; Nick Lodolo is on the IL with a blister on his left index finger. Both expected back later. The rotation also includes Andrew Abbott (6.59 ERA in six starts) and reliever Zach Maxwell, recalled from Triple-A Louisville to fill the roster spot.
Williamson's Season Performance and Injury History
In six starts this season, Williamson is 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA, striking out 19 and walking 20 over 28 innings (19:20 K:BB). He missed all of 2025 after Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, which followed a 2024 left-shoulder strain that landed him on the IL for five months. His strong spring training earned him a rotation spot when Lodolo went on the IL.
Team's Medical and Managerial Outlook
Manager Terry Francona said the MRI was reassuring and that Williamson will start a structured shoulder program for range of motion and strength. The Reds’ medical staff, led by Dr. Tim Kremchek, gave a cortisone shot and will monitor progress before any return. Francona noted the need to balance rotation depth, evaluating options such as reliever Zach Maxwell, starter-turned-reliever Jose Franco, and Triple-A pitcher Chase Petty for upcoming starts.
Direct Comments from Manager Terry Francona
- “Structurally, it came back good, so that’s good.” — Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds
- “He will go on a shoulder program — range of motion, strength and all that stuff.” — Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds
- “We’ve got a lot of moving parts.” — Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds
- “When he made the club, because he pitched so well in the spring, we were all concerned that, OK, it’s going to be every five or six days, there’s going to be some hiccups.” — Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds
What’s Next
With Williamson’s timeline uncertain, the Reds will likely keep Zach Maxwell on the active roster and may promote Jose Franco or Chase Petty for Monday’s start against the Chicago Cubs. Hunter Greene is projected to resume throwing in July, and Lodolo is expected to make a rehab start before rejoining the rotation. Cincinnati sits at 19-11, its best 30-game start since 2006, and will rely on depth to maintain momentum while managing starter health.
