Overlooked Reds' pitcher could benefit as rehabbing starters endure extended absences

It's early, but it's definitely troubling to hear that players like Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder have been slowed by lingering injuries during the first week of spring training. Cincinnati Reds fans were shocked to learn that Lowder had a mild elbow issue during the offseason. He, along with Abbott (shoulder), are behind the other pitchers at this point in the spring, though neither one is expected to miss extensive time.

This is obviously cause for concern, but not necessarily panic. Reds fans are certainly scarred after seeing so many hurlers hit the injured list in 2024, and the Cincinnati faithful don't want to relive that nightmare during the 2025 season.

Graham Ashcraft's rumored move to the bullpen is surely on hold until Abbott and Lowder prove that they're on the road to recovery. Ashcraft has plenty of experience as a starter, and while he's struggled the third time through the order, the right-hander is a solid option. But another overlooked Reds pitcher, Carson Spiers, could get an extended look while the rehabbing starters are sidelined during the first week of spring training.

Reds' pitcher Carson Spiers benefits while Rhett Lowder and Andrew Abbott endure extended absences

Spiers made an inauspicious debut with the Reds. After several starters hit the IL late in the 2023 season, Spiers was called upon despite not having pitched about Double-A. Last season, Spiers got used to know the scenery up and down I-71 while making multiple trips between Louisville and Cincinnati. Spiers finished the year with 22 appearances, including 10 starts and posted a 5.46 ERA.

Spiers did a good job of inducing weak contact during his brief stint in 2023, but that was not the case last season. While he excelled at keep free runners off the base paths, Spiers saw an uptick in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard hit rate. In order to find success, Spiers will need to fix those issues as he looks to find his footing in 2025.

With Abbott and Lowder slowed at the outset, look for Spiers to get a longer look than he would have if the two young starters were full-go. Heading into spring training, Spiers role seems to be that of a spot starter or hybrid reliever. It's the role that Nick Martinez filled on 2024, and could be the best use of the right-hander's skillset during the upcoming season.

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