The Cincinnati Reds are facing another challenge in their starting rotation as left-handed pitcher Brandon Williamson has been placed on the injured list due to left shoulder fatigue. This latest setback leaves the team scrambling for answers, particularly with their fifth starter spot now up in the air.

Manager Terry Francona acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, "We've got to see how we get there. We've got a lot of moving parts." The immediate concern is Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs, where the Reds will need to find a replacement. Potential options include Triple-A standout Chase Petty, who is healthy after a short start earlier this week, and long reliever Jose Franco. Alternatively, the team could opt for a bullpen game to patch things together.

There is some positive news on the horizon, however. Nick Lodolo is making strides toward a return to the mound. The left-hander is scheduled for a rehab start in Triple-A on Saturday, following a promising five-inning outing in his last appearance. Lodolo has been carefully managing his pitch arsenal, particularly his breaking balls, which have historically aggravated a blister issue. After a setback in early April, he's yet to make his season debut, but his progress is encouraging.

Williamson's shoulder troubles are nothing new. The 27-year-old has battled similar issues in 2022 and 2024, and this latest flare-up prompted a cortisone shot on Thursday. Francona explained, "He'll go on a shoulder program, range of motion, strength, all of that stuff. Structurally, he came back good. That's good."

The road back has been arduous for Williamson, who has barely pitched since the 2023 season. A shoulder injury sidelined him for most of 2024, and Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2025 campaign. "I'm to the point where I'm catching up to a lot of not playing for so long," Williamson said. "You really grind through it. It's caught up to me a bit. I'm trying to figure it out."

Francona echoed that sentiment, noting the difficulty of returning after such a long absence. "When it does happen, I don't think it's out of the ordinary. When he made the club, he pitched so well this spring, we were all concerned that it's going to be (starting) every five or six days, and there would be some hiccups."

Through six starts this season, Williamson has posted a 6.11 ERA, with control issues being a major factor. His 20 walks lead the National League, a problem that was on full display in Wednesday's 13-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies. With time to rest and recover, both Williamson and the Reds are hopeful that he can find the consistency that has eluded him so far.