Cincinnati Reds' Brandon Williamson Makes Honest Admission About Injury Absence

The Cincinnati Reds have a starting rotation battle brewing in the back of their rotation. Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns and Brandon Williamson are among the starters in the conversation to earn the role. Williamson has not pitched in MLB since 2024 because of Tommy John surgery, but he is now healthy and ready to compete for a rotation spot in 2026.

During a recent interview, Williamson commented on his injury recovery, via Charlie Clifford.

The left-handed pitcher gave shoutouts to both his wife and his mom, saying they have both been "rocks" for him amid the adversity. Williamson later revealed that his mother has had cancer "a few times."

"She's had cancer a few times, even just in my life," the pitcher said. "So I know that every struggle that I've had is nothing. Getting Tommy John and getting hurt for a little while... I have perspective on what's important really because of seeing what she went through."

Williamson loves his family. He is able to put things in perspective and remember what is most important.

He is also surely hoping to earn a rotation spot in 2026, something that could happen with a big spring. Of course, Cincinnati will proceed with caution since he is coming off of Tommy John surgery recovery.

Still, Williamson will likely be considered for the final rotation spot if he performs well in spring training.

The southpaw made his big league debut in 2023. That season, he pitched to a 4.46 ERA in 23 starts. It was not a terrific performance by any means, but he displayed signs of potential as a rookie. He was limited to four outings in 2024, though, and he has not pitched in the big leagues since due to the aforementioned injury concern.

Burns and Lower will also be starters to monitor, of course. Cincinnati's rotation talent and depth are among the team's biggest strengths.

The three starters are competing for an opportunity to join Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer and Nick Lodolo in the rotation.

Greene is the ace without question. He is one of the best starting pitchers in all of baseball. Abbott has quietly become one of the more underrated but productive starters in the game. Lodolo is a left-handed pitcher who has a high ceiling and could officially break out sooner rather than later. Singer, meanwhile, is a veteran who is capable of giving his team an opportunity to win on a consistent basis.

The Reds' pitching will play a pivotal role in determining the ball club's overall 2026 success. While the lineup has questions, the starters will lead the way.

So, will Brandon Williamson make the rotation? Only time will tell. Even if he doesn't open the new season in Cincinnati, it would not be surprising to see him receive a big league opportunity at some point during the '26 campaign.