Brandon Williamson solidifies his role in the Reds starting rotation

It's over, Reds fans. That horrific six-game losing streak, that began in the Windy City and included a three-game sweep at the hand of the Washington Nationals, is in the rearview mirror.

The Cincinnati Reds took Game 1 of a three-game set with Miami Marlins on Monday night. TJ Friedl got the party started with a two-out, two-RBI triple to put the Reds on the board. Back-to-back jacks courtesy of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Joey Votto also helped secure the victory.

But it was the performance of starting pitcher Brandon Williamson that put the Redlegs over the top. B-Will gave the Reds 6.2 innings of one-run baseball. A solo shot in the first inning was the only damage Williamson allowed while striking out a career-high nine batters.

Brandon Williamson solidifies his role among the Reds starting rotation.

Monday's outing was the icing on the cake for Brandon Williamson's six-game stretch that has seen the left-hander go 3-0 with a 3.13 ERA. Williamson, who essentially replaced former TCU teammate Nick Lodolo in the Reds rotation, has solidified his role heading into the last two months of the season.

With Hunter Greene set to return later this month and Nick Lodolo rehabbing as well, there are potentially two pitchers who'll lose their spot in the Reds rotation. The rotation currently consists of Williamson, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Luke Weaver, and a player to be named later.

Obviously Weaver's spot in the Cincinnati rotation is hanging by a thread. Whether it's Greene, Ben Lively, Connor Phillips, Lyon Richardson, or Brett Kennedy, eventually Weaver will be replaced and either moved to the bullpen or designated for assignment.

Regardless, Brandon Williamson has pitched incredibly well of late and even if the Cincinnati Reds return to full health before the conclusion of the 2023 season, the left-hander's spot in the starting rotation should be secure.