Williamson will start the fifth game of the regular season, March 31, against Pittsburgh, Rich Rovito of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Williamson was planned to be part of a three-pitcher grouping that would occupy the fourth and fifth rotation spots, but that plan changed. The Reds need to adjust to being without Nick Lodolo (blister), who will open the regular season on in the injured list. That paves the way for Williamson, Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder to each have their own spot in the rotation to begin the season.

Williamson allowed one run on six hits and one walk while striking out two over 5.1 innings in Friday's spring start against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Williamson retired the first seven batters he faced and kept the Cubs scoreless through four innings by inducing a couple of double-play groundouts to end the third and fourth innings. The left-hander finished off a promising spring training, having posted a 1.65 ERA with 15 strikeouts and three walks over 16.1 Cactus League innings. Williamson will be part of a unique three-starter unit, along with Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, that will occupy the fourth and fifth spots in the Cincinnati rotation.

Williamson was informed by the Reds that he has made the Opening Day roster, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports

EDGE Analysis

The Reds have given a roster spot to Williamson along with fellow starters Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns. The three of them will occupy two rotation spots and back each other up in those spots due to their recent injury histories and/or lack of experience. Williamson went down with a full UCL tear in his left elbow in Sept. 2024, which required Tommy John surgery. With the southpaw securing an Opening Day roster spot, he will look to take the mound for the first time in a regular season game since going under the knife.

Williamson could win a spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. Williamson threw four shutout innings in Sunday's spring training game and has a 1.64 ERA with a 13:2 K:BB over 11 innings so far.

EDGE Analysis

Williamson's stat line is nice enough, but also Chase Burns isn't quite extended out like the Reds would have hoped for, nor is his range of mobility where they'd like it, which could give them the impetus to keep Williamson. Williamson missed all of the 2025 season after having Tommy John elbow surgery in September of 2024.

Williamson (elbow) faced hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander has no restrictions to begin camp after he missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Williamson will get the chance to compete for a spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation this spring, but he still has two minor-league options remaining and seems more likely to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.

Williamson (elbow) recently began throwing from a mound at the Reds' training facility in Goodyear (Ariz.) but has returned to Cincinnati, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The report indicates Williamson was told to "throttle back," which suggests the stress of throwing from a mound was too much for the left-hander. He'll be with the Reds for the week to play catch and participate in workouts. Williamson is recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent last September and is not expected back until 2026.

The Reds placed Williamson (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Williamson is set to miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last September, so his move to the 60-day IL is merely procedural. The transaction opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Austin Wynns, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds transferred Williamson (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Ian Gibaut, who was activated from the 60-day IL. Williamson is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, which is likely to sideline him until 2026.

Williamson said Wednesday that he has a full UCL tear in his left elbow and will require Tommy John surgery, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Williamson's comments came shortly after the Reds placed him on the 15-day injured list earlier Wednesday. The southpaw had been on the shelf for most of the season due to a shoulder problem, but he avoided surgery and was cleared to make his 2024 debut for the Reds on Sept. 1 after making just one rehab start. He produced a 3.77 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB across 14.1 innings in four starts with the Reds before he ultimately strained his elbow in Tuesday's 6-5 win over Atlanta. A date for Williamson's elbow surgery hasn't been set, but he'll miss the entire 2025 season while he embarks on an arduous rehab process.

The Reds placed Williamson on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a left elbow strain.

EDGE Analysis

Williamson exited his start Tuesday against Atlanta because of the injury, and it has now officially ended his season. The left-hander also missed much of the campaign with a Bennett lesion in his left shoulder, ultimately opting to treat that injury with injections rather than surgery. It's not clear at this point whether an offseason operation for either injury might be on the table.