This Reds prospect will be watching Luis Cessa's next start with bated breath

The Cincinnati Reds are handing the ball to Luis Cessa for what could be the last time on Saturday night. After the right-hander's horrific performance against the Philadelphia Phillies last Sunday, Cessa's chances of remaining in the rotation are hanging by a thread.

Cessa was only able to muster three innings during his last start after allowing nine runs to score in the top of the first inning. The former New York Yankees hurler allowed 11 runs on 14 hits while walking three batters. Cessa didn't record a single punch out in the Reds blowout loss to the Phillies.

But Cessa will be given a chance to redeem himself tonight in Pittsburgh. Manager David Bell is giving Cessa one last opportunity to prove that he belongs in the rotation. All eyes will be on Cessa tonight to see if he bounces back, and there's a particular Reds prospect who'll be watching the outcome vry closely.

Reds prospect Brandon Williamson watching Luis Cessa's starter with bated breath.

After taking a licking of his own on Wednesday afternoon at Great American Ball Park, it would seem that Cincinnati Reds prospect Levi Stoudt isn't quite ready for The Show just yet.

Stoudt was called upon to help give Hunter Greene, who took a comebacker off his lower leg on Monday, an extra day of rest. Stoudt made it through four innings, but allowed seven runs on nine hits and was optioned back to Triple-A Louisville the next day.

With Stoudt being optioned earlier this week, he'll have to remain in the minors for at least 15 days before being recalled to the big leagues. That opens the door for another Cincinnati Reds prospect to make his big league debut.

Brandon Williamson is sure to be watching Luis Cessa's next start with bated breath. If Cessa struggles once again, the Reds will have little choice but to move the right-hander to the bullpen. That would open a spot in the rotation that would almost assuredly go to Williamson.

There's an outside chance the Chase Anderson could be called up from Triple-A in order to fill a spot in the rotation. But Anderson does not currently occupy a spot on the Reds 40-man roster, meaning a corresponding move would be required.

Brandon Williamson has not been lights out since the 2023 season. In fact, the southpaw is 1-1 with 4.42 ERA and 12 walks in just over 18 innings of work. But Williamson is next in line for a spot in the Cincinnati Reds rotation. Moving Williamson up to the bigs would also allow the Reds to promoted the surging Andrew Abbott to Triple-A.