Injuries have taken a major toll on the Cincinnati Reds this season. Even before Opening Day, young pitchers Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar were already placed on the 60-day injured list as they recover from Tommy John surgery — neither is expected to return until 2026. Now, manager Terry Francona’s latest comments suggest that Carson Spiers could be facing a similar fate.
“There are some concerns about his elbow, possibly involving a ligament,” Francona said after Spiers underwent an MRI earlier this week. “He’s going to get another opinion. It’s not definitive, but we are concerned.”
Spiers, who landed on the IL back on April 20, had his latest rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville cut short due to biceps soreness. He has been shut down from throwing while he awaits further medical evaluation before determining his next steps.
Terry Francona’s comments likely mean Reds RHP Carson Spiers is headed for season-ending surgery
With Andrew Abbott sidelined to start the 2025 season, Carson Spiers earned a spot on the Reds’ Opening Day roster. He went 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA across three appearances — two of them starts — before landing on the injured list. Last season, Spiers served in a hybrid role as a spot starter and long reliever, throwing over 90 innings with a 5.46 ERA in 22 games.
Now, any hopes for his return this season appear increasingly uncertain. The Reds are already without ace Hunter Greene, though there’s optimism he could rejoin the rotation by August.
Spiers’ latest injury setback may increase pressure on the Reds’ front office to pursue a starter before the trade deadline. Beyond Chase Petty — who has struggled in the majors — there’s limited rotation depth at Triple-A Louisville.
Getting Greene back at full strength would significantly ease rotation concerns. A healthy group of Abbott, Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Nick Martinez would give Cincinnati a strong five-man rotation for the stretch run. That could allow the club to send Chase Burns — currently on an innings limit — back to the minors to conserve him for a potential postseason push.
