Struggling Reds pitcher has played his way right out of Cincy's 2025 rotation plans

The Cincinnati Reds have a rather crowded roster heading into the offseason, especially among their pitching staff. Three of the five spots in next year's starting rotation are already spoken for, and a number of Reds fans would argue that there's little competition for the two remaining as well.

Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo (if healthy) are all ticketed to be part of the Reds 2025 Opening Day starting rotation. Finally off the IL, Brandon Williamson has certainly shown enough to warrant consideration, and Rhett Lowder is pitching his way into the conversation as well.

But while Williamson and Lowder are making their case loud and clear, another Reds' pitcher is failing to make the most of his opportunity. Carson Spiers, who was one of the best stories on this year's Reds team heading into the month of August, has fallen on tough times.

Carson Spiers has played his way right out the Reds rotation plans for 2025

Spiers was in and out of the rotation earlier this season, and in his first 11 appearances, six of which were starts, the right-hander was 4-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 3.44 FIP. Spiers allowed opponents to hit just .249 and struck out just over 20% of the batters he faced.

But since the calendar flipped to August, Spiers has seen a major dip in his numbers. Spiers allowed 11 runs on 12 hits during his first two starts in August, and since that time, the rookie is 1-4 with an 8.18 ERA. Spiers has been getting tattooed of late, allowing opposing batters to hit .364/.421/.727, including 12 round-trippers.

Spiers has been removed from the starting rotation, and it's even questionable as to why he's still even in the Reds' bullpen given his production of late. Spiers' last start was a disaster. On August 20th, the Clemson alum allowed nine earned runs on 13 hits to the Toronto Blue Jays. During that contest, Spiers allowed five home runs.

Spiers has minor league options remaining, and he's certainly shown more than Christian Roa. It seems unlikely that Spiers will be non-tendered this winter, but his 2025 season should begin in Triple-A.

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