Brandon Williamson The Cincinnati Reds are facing a critical juncture in their season, as injuries continue to plague their pitching rotation. The team has been frequently relying on the Injured List (IL) to manage their pitching staff, and the situation has taken another hit with recent roster moves.
On Tuesday, the Reds announced a series of transactions that underscore the challenges they are grappling with. Nick Lodolo is heading to the 15-day IL due to a strain in his left middle finger, retroactive to August 24. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Casey Legumina has been recalled, and left-handed pitcher Brandon Williamson is set to embark on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville.
Lodolo’s latest stint on the IL marks his fourth such occurrence this season. Previously, he was sidelined from March 27 to April 13 with left calf tenosynovitis. Following that, he was out again from May 15 to May 27 due to a left groin strain. Lodolo then faced a left finger blister injury, keeping him on the IL from June 25 to July 9. This repeated pattern of injuries has hindered his ability to establish any consistency throughout 2024.
Despite making 21 starts this season, Lodolo has struggled with a 4.76 ERA, largely due to a couple of poor performances where he allowed eight runs in each outing over the past month. Although there have been moments when he showed promise, such as his recent match against Paul Skenes where he was competitive until a meltdown in the fifth inning, he has yet to find his rhythm this year.
In addition to Lodolo’s absence, the Reds have recalled Casey Legumina, who is returning to the big leagues after a mixed performance last season. Legumina appeared in 11 games in 2023, pitching 12 1/3 innings with a 5.68 ERA. This season, he has made only two appearances, during which he allowed six runs on eight hits and a walk over just four innings. His recall reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to address the gaps in their rotation, although his recent performance suggests he may face challenges in stabilizing the pitching staff.
On a more positive note, Brandon Williamson is set to begin his rehab assignment in Triple-A Louisville. Williamson has not seen action with the Reds this season, as he was initially placed on the IL with a left shoulder strain after making one start at High-A Dayton. Prior to his injury, he had a strong showing in Triple-A Louisville, allowing just one run over 10 2/3 innings in three starts. Williamson’s return to pitching is eagerly anticipated, as his previous performance demonstrated his potential to contribute significantly to the Reds’ rotation once he is fully recovered.
The Reds’ recent moves illustrate their struggle to maintain stability in their pitching staff amid a series of setbacks. The repeated injuries to key pitchers like Lodolo have compounded the team’s difficulties, highlighting the need for effective replacements and reinforcements. As the season progresses, the Reds will be watching closely to see if Legumina can find his form and if Williamson’s return can help mitigate some of the rotation issues. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial as they strive to remain competitive in a demanding season.
