Nick Martinez’s minor injury could clear path to Reds roster spot for this pitcher

The Cincinnati Reds made a surprise addition on Friday afternoon. The acquisition of Justin Wilson could shakeup the Reds bullpen just a bit, but the competition for the starting rotation likely remains the same with a little over a week until Opening Day.

Frankie Montas will be the Reds Opening Day starter and is likely to be followed by third-year hurler and former first-round pick Hunter Greene. Graham Ashcraft would seem to have a spot in the starting rotation, and while he's struggled of late, Andrew Abbott is probably safe to pack his bags for Cincinnati.

But there are still some question marks surrounding that final spot in the Reds starting rotation. And some recent injury news involving Nick Martinez could allow Brandon Williamson to make a late-push to earn a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster.

Nick Martinez’s minor injury could clear path to Reds roster spot for Brandon Williamson

Martinez was supposed to start Thursday's Cactus League contest against the Texas Rangers. But a rib injury forced Martinez's start to be pushed back by a couple of days, and the free agent signee is scheduled to take the hill on Saturday.

Recently, however, Reds manager David Bell has questioned whether or not Martinez will be able to go on Saturday. The Reds' skipper said the injury doesn't bother Martinez when he's on the mound to pitch, but the veteran's availability for Opening Day is now in doubt.

While that's bad news for Martinez and the Cincinnati fanbase, it would offer Williamson an opportunity to find a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster. Williamson has pitched well this spring, but there are only so many spots available.

After seeing Connor Phillis optioned to Triple-A and reassigned to minor league camp eariler this week, it would seem that same fate awaits Williamson if Martinez is all systems go on March 28th. Nick Lodolo has already been put on the shelf to begin the 2024 season, but it seems as if he'll be ready by early-April.

Williamson has allowed four runs on 10 hits in nine innings of work this spring, but the left-hander has struck out nine batters and has yet to issue a walk in Cactus League play. While it would sting a bit if Martinez is unable to go on Opening Day, having Williamson step in is a terrific insurance policy.

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