Brandon Williamson's injury puts spotlight back on Reds' wild card arm

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson left Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies after just three innings of work. According to Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Williamson's early exit was due to shoulder fatigue.

Williamson totaled 58 pitches, 33 of which landed for strikes, but the left-hander was struggling once again with command. He walked four of the 16 batters he faced, and allowed four runs on four hits. Williamson is barely over a year removed from Tommy John surgery, and this issue may be enough for the Reds — out of an abundance of caution — to place him on the 15-day IL.

Nick Lodolo would seem like the logical solution to replace Williamson in the lineup, but he's slated to make at least one more rehab start before returning to the active roster. That means Cincinnati may need to find a short-term replacement for Williamson, and top pitching prospect Chase Petty may finally get his chance at redemption.

Reds prospect Chase Petty could replace Brandon Williamson

Ironically, Petty was on the mound for Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, meaning he'd line up perfectly for the Reds' next turn through the rotation. If the Reds recalled Petty back to the big leagues, he'd likely make his first start of the 2026 season on the road in Chicago next week.

Petty made his Major League debut last season, but the results were less than stellar. The brash and excitable right-hander was humbled by the St. Louis Cardinals during his first big-league start, and later embarrassed by the Houston Astros. In total, Petty made three appearances last season, posted an unsightly 19.50 ERA and had more walks (8) than strikeouts (7).

Petty's had an up-and-down season in Louisville this year, and just recently returned from a trip to the injured list. In five minor-league starts, the 23-year-old is 2-2 with a 4.84 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 22⅓ innings of work. Much like Williamson, Petty has struggled with command. In his most recent Triple-A outing, the right-hander walked three batters in less than three innings pitched.

With Julian Aguiar on the minor-league IL and no other starters on the Reds' 40-man roster, calling up Petty is the most logical move the front office can make if Williamson lands on the IL.

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