Reds quietly setting up a regrettable one-and-done scenario for Brandon Williamson

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson will step onto the mound at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday evening for the first since September 17, 2024. After tossing just 44 pitches in a game against the Atlanta Braves, Williamson was removed after suffering a severe elbow injury that would eventually require Tommy John surgery.

The left-hander missed all of the 2025 season while rehabbing from surgery, but thanks to a strong showing during spring training, Williamson earned a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster. That's truly an impressive accomplishment, and one he should be proud of.

Unfortunately for Williamson, his time on the active roster could be cut extremely short. The lefty will get the ball on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he could be replaced before his next turn through the rotation.

Reds starter Brandon Williamson could be the odd man out when Nick Lodolo returns

The Reds expect Nick Lodolo to return from the injured list next week. The former first-round pick was battling a blister issue near the end of camp that kept him off the Reds Opening Day roster. Lodolo is scheduled to throw a side session on Tuesday, and if all goes well, he'll make a rehab start at High-A Dayton on Thursday.

Cincinnati backdated Lodolo's placement on the IL, meaning he's able to come off as early as April 7. The Reds begin a seven-game, two-city road trip this weekend with stops in Arlington and Miami. Depending on when Lodolo returns and how Terry Francona lines up his starters, Williamson may receive another turn through the rotation, or he could be sent back the minors after just one Major League start.

Andrew Abbott will get the ball for the Reds on Wednesday, April 1. After that, it's assumed that Brady Singer will open the series against the Texas Rangers on Friday, April 3, with Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns to follow.

That would set up Williamson to gain one more start before Lodolo's return date, but Thursday's off-day could keep Abbott on four-days rest. Tito could decide to keep Abbott on a normal schedule and send him out for the series opener against the Miami Marlins before the team activates Lodolo the following day.

There's a chance, however, that Francona prefers to give his ace an extra day of rest, and in doing so, offers Williamson a chance to grab one more start before Lodolo returns. It's also worth mentioning that the performance of the Reds' starters over the next few days could greatly affect who's actually sent down when Lodolo rejoins the rotation.

Abbott and Singer are locked into their spots, and while Williamson seems like the most likely pitcher to be optioned back to the minor leagues, the Reds could choose to send down one of Lowder or Burns instead.

Regardless of what the future holds, all eyes will be on Williamson on Tuesday night. He was arguably the Reds' best pitcher during spring training, and the team is hoping that level of performance carries over to his first start of the regular season.