Brandon Williamson: Everything you need to know

Williamson (2-2) took the loss Wednesday as the Reds were downed 6-1 by the Rays, coughing up five runs on seven hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three. A third-inning solo shot by Junior Caminero marked the only extra-base hit off Williamson, but the southpaw has trouble putting hitters away and tossed 54 strikes among his 87 pitches. He's failed to last five innings in three of his five starts so far this season, producing a 5.40 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 15:16 K:BB over 25 innings, and with Nick Lodolo (blister) getting close to making his 2026 debut, Williamson's time in the rotation could be nearing its end.

Williamson (2-1) earned the win against the Twins on Friday, allowing one run on three hits and four walks while striking out two across 5.1 innings. Williamson's four free passes are a bit of a concern, and he generated just six whiffs while tossing 50 strikes on 93 pitches (53.8 percent). However, he kept the Twins to just one run, courtesy of a sacrifice fly from Austin Martin. After yielding six earned runs in his first start of the season against the Pirates on March 31, Williamson has given up just four runs over his last 16 innings, though he's also walked 11 batters in that span. He is lined up to face the Rays on the road next week, which could be Williamson's last turn in the rotation if Nick Lodolo (finger) is activated from the 15-day injured list.

Williamson did not factor into the decision in the Reds' 7-3 win over the Angels on Saturday. He allowed three runs on three hits and six walks while striking out three across four innings. Williamson struggled with his control during Saturday's start. He allowed at least two baserunners in each of the four innings he pitched, which ran up his pitch count to 93 with only 49 strikes (52.7 percent) and nine whiffs. His performance against the Halos was more reminiscent of his first outing of the season against the Pirates on March 31, but he did notch a quality start against the Marlins on April 6. It looks to be an inconsistent season for the 28-year-old southpaw, at least until he gets command on the mound in check or until Nick Lodolo (finger) is activated from the 15-day injured list. Williamson is projected to start next week on the road against the Twins.