Cincinnati Reds fans are holding their breath once again as injury concerns continue to pile up—and Terry Francona’s recent comments aren’t offering much reassurance. With young pitchers Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar already ruled out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, it now sounds like Carson Spiers could be the next to join the long-term injury list.
“There is some concern about some elbow issues, ligament issues,” Francona said after Spiers underwent an MRI earlier this week. “He’s going to get another opinion. It’s not cut and dried. But there is some concern.”
Spiers, who has been out since April 20, was pulled from his latest rehab stint with the Louisville Bats after experiencing biceps soreness. He’s since been shut down from throwing and is now seeking a second medical opinion before any decision is made about his next steps.
Spiers, who opened the season on the Reds’ active roster with Andrew Abbott sidelined, has struggled in limited action—posting an 0-2 record and 6.08 ERA across three appearances, including two starts. In 2024, he contributed as a spot starter and long reliever, tossing over 90 innings with a 5.46 ERA.
While Spiers’ future this season looks increasingly bleak, the Reds are clinging to hope that ace Hunter Greene can rejoin the rotation by August. But with starting depth stretched thin—especially at Triple-A Louisville, where even top prospect Chase Petty has struggled—it’s possible this setback could force the Reds’ front office to pursue help at the trade deadline.
A healthy rotation featuring Greene, Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Nick Martinez would put the Reds in a much better position heading into the second half of the season. It could also allow the team to ease up on Chase Burns’ workload and preserve him for a potential playoff run.
