Reds starter Brandon Williamson left Tuesday’s game against the Braves in evident pain. The lefty seemed to struggle after throwing a pitch to Michael Harris II in the second inning (video from Pitching Ninja).
After exiting the game, Cincinnati announced he had suffered an elbow strain, according to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The team has not provided further details, but they are expected to send Williamson for imaging soon.
Williamson has spent much of the season on the injured list due to a shoulder issue he sustained during spring training. Initially, it appeared he might require surgery, but he managed to recover with a series of injections. He returned to the MLB this month, allowing four runs (three earned) in 13 innings over his first three outings.
Last season, Brandon Williamson made 23 starts for Cincinnati, debuting in May and pitching 117 innings with a 4.46 ERA. Although he struggled early, he posted a 3.97 ERA in 70 1/3 innings after the All-Star break. He was poised to earn a spot in David Bell’s Opening Day rotation if healthy.
Now, he hopes the elbow injury isn’t as severe as it appears. The Reds are likely to shut him down for the final weeks of the season. If he has significant ligament damage, it could lead to surgery that would affect his availability for next year.
If Williamson goes on the injured list, he will join teammates Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott. Injuries in the rotation have significantly impacted Cincinnati’s disappointing season. Bell mentioned before the game that the team is optimistic about Greene and Abbott returning before the season ends, while Lodolo, who was placed on the IL in late August with a finger sprain, will not return this year.