Reds rotation depth is being tested and it’s not just the big league arms

The Cincinnati Reds knew they'd be without Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo to begin the 2026 season, but the organization's depth is being tested in the minor leagues too. Both Julian Aguiar and Chase Petty are currently on the seven-day injured list, meaning Cincinnati's rotation cannot afford another injury at the moment.

According to Louisville Bats transaction log, Petty was placed on the IL retroactive to April 16. Unlike Major League reporting, the details of Petty's injury have not been specified. Aguiar, much like Petty, has been saddled with an undisclosed injury. The right-hander was placed on the IL on April 9, and no further updates have been made available.

Petty was 1-2 with a 6.61 ERA in four starts before landing on the IL. Aguiar made just three starts and owned an unsightly 9.28 ERA across 10⅔ innings pitched.

The Reds rotation is one injury away from total disaster

At the moment, the Reds rotation is staying afloat thanks to the performance of their young guns. Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder have combined to post a 2.98 ERA over 51⅓ innings.

Andrew Abbott has struggled to find his groove during the early-going despite posting an outstanding ground ball rate. Brady Singer has battled, and while the numbers may not reflect it, he's been a consistent presence in the Reds rotation. Brandon Williamson has endured an up-and-down start after missing all of the 2025 season following shoulder surgery.

Lodolo has made some strides since being pulled off a rehab assignment earlier this month, but will likely need another tuneup or two before returning to the active roster. In other words, don't look for the left-hander to return to the mound until sometime next month.

If another Cincinnati starter finds his way onto the injured list, the Reds may have to get creative with their rotation. Jose Franco would be the only other option currently on the 40-man roster. Davis Daniel and Brandon Leibrandt are the other top starters at Triple-A.

The Reds rotation depth was supposed to be a strength of this team heading into the season, but instead, it's been stretched to the limit through the first three weeks of the season. The hope is that the Reds' rotation can sustain both success and health until Lodolo returns in May.

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