Reds Manager Hints at Two Players Who Might Need Season-Ending Surgery
Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell addressed the media on Tuesday regarding the health statuses of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Brandon Williamson. As reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Encarnacion-Strand has ligament damage in his fractured hand, while Williamson is dealing with a lesion in his shoulder. Both players are scheduled for further evaluation in the coming days, with the possibility of requiring season-ending surgery.
Encarnacion-Strand’s Injury and Rehabilitation
Encarnacion-Strand has been sidelined since May 8 due to a right-hand fracture. On June 5, a follow-up examination by Reds medical staff indicated that he was ready to advance in his rehabilitation. However, the first baseman decided to seek a second opinion before proceeding. Initially, the expectation was that he would be out for four to six weeks.
Williamson’s Shoulder Concerns
Brandon Williamson has been on the 60-day injured list (IL) because of a left shoulder strain. After returning from a rehab assignment in late May, he has been temporarily shut down from throwing.
“I think he’s evaluating some options for what’s next,” said Bell regarding Williamson’s condition.
During his rehab, Williamson posted a 0.66 ERA over 12 2/3 innings in four starts, including three with Triple-A Louisville. Despite his performance, Bell noted that Williamson’s shoulder discomfort persisted and seemed to have worsened.
Impact on the Reds’ Rotation
The Reds will need a fifth starter again on June 18, but Williamson’s continued absence leaves a gap in the rotation. One potential solution is to move Nick Martinez from the bullpen to the starting rotation. Another option could be Carson Spiers, who has shown promise with both Louisville and the Reds bullpen this season. However, Graham Ashcraft, who was recently optioned to Louisville, is not eligible to return to the majors until he completes the mandatory 15-day stint in the minors.
In summary, the Cincinnati Reds are facing potential setbacks with two key players, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Brandon Williamson, both of whom might need surgeries that could end their seasons. While Encarnacion-Strand is seeking a second opinion after an encouraging follow-up on his fractured hand, Williamson’s shoulder issues remain unresolved despite his promising rehab performances. As the Reds look to fill the void in their starting rotation, they may need to rely on other players like Nick Martinez or Carson Spiers to step up.
