Reds Pitcher Looks Ready to Return After Latest Rehab Outing

One step closer to a return.

Apr 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson made his sixth rehab start on Saturday afternoon and appears to be inching closer to a return to the big leagues.

The left-hander gave up one run on two hits over four innings of work, while striking out five. However, his command continues to be an issue, walking four.

In Williamson's last three starts, he's given up just two earned runs over 9 2/3 innings. If Williamson is ready, the Reds have some options.

What Role Will Williamson Pitch In?

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

There are three options for Williamson at this point. The Reds could decide to simply send him down to Triple-A Louisville until an injury pops up or they desperately need him. Pitching depth in Triple-A is always a good thing to have.

One unanswered question surrounding Chase Burns is how the Reds plan to manage his innings down the stretch. How many more starts will he make, and could a shutdown be coming soon? With Cincinnati out of contention, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Reds take an extra-cautious approach with their All-Star right-hander. If they do decide to shut Burns down before the end of the season, Williamson would be the obvious choice to take his spot in the rotation.

The last option would be to bring him up and pitch him out of the bullpen. The Reds could utilize him in a role similar to the role Nick Martinez had over the past couple of seasons. It's always valuable having a pitcher out of the bullpen be able to throw multiple innings.

Reds manager Terry Francona provided an update on Williamson before Saturday’s game in Phoenix, saying the team expects to determine the next steps for the left-hander in the coming days, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon.

A Fun Day for JJ Bleday

Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Hector Rodriguez (43) smile and celebrate after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-5 at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

JJ Bleday hit for the cycle in his first four at-bats on Saturday night. His home run that gave him the cycle was off former Reds' pitcher Zack Littell in the sixth inning. After the game, Bleday admitted he was thinking about it.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," Bleday said. "Every time I went out to go play defense, I was kind of visualizing 'what if, what if,' and how I would celebrate. And next thing you know, I was able to hit that home run to get it done."

Bleday has been one of the biggest bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for the Reds.

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