Reds News: Brandon Williamson's rehab start, Jeimer Candelario heating up, David Bell

The Cincinnati Reds got a total team-effort in Tuesday's win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hunter Greene pitched marvelously, the Reds' bats finally woke up, and the bullpen did their job en route to a 6-2 victory over the D-backs. On Wednesday, the Reds will go for their first series win since their sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on April 21st.

One thing that's really slowed the start of the Reds' 2024 campaign has been injuries. TJ Friedl received some devastating news this past week after learning he'd miss even more time after suffering a fractured thumb following a hit-by-pitch last Sunday. Matt McLain, Alex Young, and Ian Gibaut are all on the IL as well.

Reds News: Brandon Williamson's rehab start

But Cincinnati got a bit of good news on the injury front this week with the announcement that Brandon Williamson would be sent out on a rehab assignment with the Dayton Dragons. Williamson looked great during his first start on Tuesday night, allowing just one hit in three innings of work while striking out four batters. Williamson threw just 38 pitches with 28 landing for strikes.

Williamson had been sidelined since the end of spring training with a shoulder strain and is currently on the 60-day IL. It'll take a few more starts before the left-hander is ready to return to the big leagues, and even when he's ready, it's questionable as to whether or not Williamson will return right away.

The Reds starting rotation is currently comprised of Hunter Greene, Frankie Montas, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Williamson's college teammate Nick Lodolo. It's difficult, at the moment, to see Williamson breaking into the starting rotation. But a dip in production or injury could thrust the southpaw into action rather quickly.

Reds News: Jeimer Candelario heating up

Don't look now, but that three-year, $45 million contract that Jeimer Candelario signed this past offseason could turn out to be a bargain. After struggling through the first several weeks of the 2024 season, the Reds' biggest offseason acquisition is finally starting to heat up.

Candelario, who was 2-for-4 on Tuesday night with an RBI, is hitting .393/.414/.607 in his last seven games. Candelario has a home run and seven RBI during that stretch. More importantly, the Reds' infielder has only struck out three times.

After the early-season struggles had many fans throughout Reds Country questioning the front office's offseason decision to ink Candelario to a three-year pact, the 30-year-old is beginning to show signs of life.

Reds News: David Bell to join NL All-Star coaching staff

David Bell never went to the All-Star Game as a player, but he'll be representing the Cincinnati Reds this season as a member of Torey Lovullo's coaching staff. The D-backs' skipper extended the offer to Bell and the Reds' manager will be part of the festivities this summer when the Texas Rangers host the Midsummer Classic at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

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