Reds pitcher's injury-plagued season comes to heart-wrenching end with latest update

Reds fans feared the worst after starting pitcher Brandon Williamson left the mound during the second inning on Tuesday night after clutching his elbow. Unfortunately, the latest update is about what most expected to hear.

The Cincinnati Reds left-hander confirmed that he indeed tore his UCL during Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves and will be undergoing Tommy John surgery. Seeing as how the typical recovery is around 12 months, it's a safe bet to assume that Williamson will not return to the mound until the 2026 season.

Reds LHP Brandon Williamson will undergo Tommy John surgery

This is yet another troublesome injury in what has been a trying year for Williamson. The lefty was saddled with a shoulder injury during spring training and was left off the Reds Opening Day roster. Williamson was eventually transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day IL, but was sent on a rehab assignment in mid-May.

But Williamson returned from the rehab assignment in short order after suffering a setback. The left-handed hurler then continued to rehab and was added to the Louisville Bats' roster at the end of August. After making just one rehab start at Triple-A, Williamson rejoined an already depleted Reds starting rotation.

Williamson struggled through the first inning on Tuesday night against the Braves. The 26-year-old allowed a home run to the first batter he faced and saw Atlanta jump out to a 3-0 lead. Williamson then toed the rubber again in the second inning, and after throwing a pitch to Braves' outfielder Michael Harris II, Williamson was seen clutching at this elbow in pain.

Brandon Williamson is the latest Reds starter to land on the IL

Williamson was removed from the game and headed into the clubhouse with the training staff. The initial diagnosis on Tuesday evening was a left elbow strain, but further testing was necessary to determine the extent of the damage. Unfortunately, that's when the team discovered that Williamson did indeed tear his UCL.

Other Reds pitchers have endured the same injury and undergone surgery in their own right. Tejay Antone is currently on the IL after undergoing a third Tommy John surgery, and both Connor Overton and Reiver Sanmartin underwent TJ surgery last year as well. Both pitchers are currently at Triple-A.

This is an unfortunate end to what was an injury-plagued season for the Reds' starter. The hope is, of course, that Williamson undergoes a complete recovery and is back on the mound in the spring of 2026.

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