Brandon Williamson's early-exit is latest blow to injury-riddled Reds pitching staff

Update: The Reds updated Williamson's condition following his exit, calling it a left elbow strain.

Brandon Williamson looked great during his first three major league games this season. The Cincinnati Reds starter spent the majority of the 2024 season on the injured list, but was recently activated and rejoined the starting rotation.

Heading into Tuesday's contest against the Atlanta Braves, Williamson had a 2.08 ERA and a 0.769 WHIP in three appearances with 11 punch outs in 13 innings of work.

Reds starter Brandon Williamson left game vs. Braves after apparent arm injury

But unfortunately for Williamson, his start on Tuesday night was cut short. During the top of the second inning, Williamson was seen grabbing at his elbow and wincing in pain after delivering a pitch. Catcher Tyler Stephenson noticed immediately and signaled to the dugout for the Reds' medical staff.

The Reds trainer along with manager David Bell joined Williamson and Stephenson on the mound, and after a few moments of discussion, the decision was made to remove the left-hander from the game. Williamson was replaced by reliever Fernando Cruz.

Williamson had endured a long, drawn out rehab process prior to being activated from the IL earlier this month. The lefty faced a setback midway through his IL stint, and made just one rehab start before being recalled the big league club.

The Reds are missing Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo

Williamson's early-exit is the latest blow to a Reds' starting rotation that has been palgued by injuries all season. Nick Lodolo has dealt with multiple IL stints this season, and it was announced on Tuesday that his season was over. Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott are currently on the IL as well, and Graham Ashcraft has been out of action for months.

Obviously the hope among the Reds fanbase is that removing Williamson from the game was more precautionary than anything. But it's hard to maintain that level of optimism after watching his reaction following that pitch in the second inning.

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