Brandon Williamson's last two starts show progress

When the Cincinnati Reds traded fan favorites Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker, the fanbase was none too pleased with Nick Krall and the front office. The trade return from the Seattle Mariners was headlined by Brandon Williamson.

After racking up strikeouts in 2021, Williamson fell flat in 2022. Many Reds fans were hopeful that Williamson would continue to show progress after last season, but that was far from reality for the start of 2023.

So far this, Williamson has made eight starts at Triple-A Louisville, where he is 2-4 with a 6.62 ERA. Williamson's start at the end of April, more than likely, was the worst of his entire career. The left-hander recorded just one out, while surrendering eight runs on five hit including two home runs.

Reds prospects: Brandon Williamson's last two starts show progress.

That is the type of game that can absolutely stifle a young pitcher's development. Luckily for Reds fans, Brandon Williamson has bounced back rather well. His last two starts after this outing have shown a ton of progress and given hope to a fanbase that wants to see him succeed.

On May 5th, Williamson tossed 89 pitches against the Omaha Storm Chasers. Through six innings of work, Williamson would allow just three runs on three hits while striking out seven opposing batters. The Louisville Bats were unable to give Williamson enough run suppot and he suffered the loss in the game. But it was a step in the right direction for the left-hander.

Six days later, however, Williamson would get the ball again, this time against the Columbus Clippers, a lineup which featured multiple former big league contributors. Williamson stifled the Clippers hitters, pitching 5.2 innings and only allowing only one run on six hits. This is the kind of start that can help build momentum Williamson and propel him forward.

The Cincinnati Reds have a gaping hole at the back end of their starting rotation and before the season started, Brandon Williamson was in the running for a spot in the rotation. The southpaw is headed in the right direction, and these last two starts show the type progress that Reds fans are dying to see from him.