Spring training is often a time of high anticipation, and for the Cincinnati Reds, this season is no different. Manager Terry Francona has been playing his cards close to the chest regarding the final two spots in the starting rotation. But on Thursday, he confirmed what many fans had already suspected: Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer will join Andrew Abbott in the rotation lineup.
Abbott has already been tapped as the Opening Day starter, and now Lodolo is set to take the mound against the Boston Red Sox on March 28, with Singer following up in the series finale.
But the intrigue doesn’t stop there. With Abbott, Lodolo, and Singer ready to roll, Reds fans are buzzing about who will pitch Games 4 and 5 when the Pittsburgh Pirates come to town. The competition is fierce among Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson, especially with Hunter Greene starting the season on the 60-day IL, opening up two roster spots.
Williamson seems to have the statistical edge. In his three spring appearances, the lefty has been impressive, allowing just two runs on four hits over seven innings, while striking out nine. This is particularly noteworthy given that he missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Meanwhile, Lowder and Burns have been neck and neck throughout camp. Lowder has recorded 11 strikeouts with a 4.15 ERA over three games, while Burns has matched him in strikeouts but has a higher 5.63 ERA, along with issuing more walks.
Spring training stats can be a mixed bag, and while they’re not the only measure of a player’s potential, they do provide valuable insights. Francona, alongside director of pitching Derek Johnson, is likely weighing these performances carefully as they decide on the final rotation spots.
As the final week of Cactus League play unfolds, Burns and Singer are scheduled to pitch on Friday, with Lowder and Williamson expected to close out the weekend games. The pressure is on, and for one of these pitchers, the dream of making the Opening Day roster will have to wait.
The race remains tight, and every pitch counts as these young arms vie for a coveted spot in the Reds’ rotation. It’s a classic spring showdown that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.