3 pitchers who could start for Reds on Thursday while Andrew Abbott gets extra rest

2. Carson Spiers could start for Reds on Thursday while Andrew Abbott gets extra rest.

The Cincinnati Reds never actually selected the contract of Carson Spiers, so the right-hander is not part of the team's 40-man roster. After making two starts while Hunter Greene and Brandon Williamson were on the COVID-19-related injured list, Spiers was returned to Double-A Chattanooga.

But, Spiers has yet to start for the Lookouts and fellow prospect Julian Aguiar is slated to take the hill for Chattanooga on Wednesday. Since Spiers has pitched since August 27th, the 25-year-old is more than rested.

If Spiers were to nab a spot-start on Thursday in Detroit, this might be a more permanent move on behalf of the Cincinnati Reds. After signing as an undrafted free agent in June of 2020, Spiers would need to be added to the Reds 40-man roster this offseason anyway if the team wishes to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

Spiers already has two starts under his belt. Collectively, Spiers has logged seven innings and allowed seven runs on 10 hits whlie walking five batters and striking out eight. No, those numbers aren't overly impressive, but Cincinnati needs somebody to give the team more than two or three innings of work.

Of all the Reds upcoming opponents, the Detroit Tigers are arguably the least impressive in terms of hitting. Detroit ranks 14th in OPS among all American League clubs this season. If there was ever a time to give Carson Spiers another chance this season, Thursday's series finale is it.