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Brandon Williamson to Make First Start on March 31 Against Bucs
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson will open the year as the team's No. 5 starter now that left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) is opening on the injured list, according to Rich Rovito of MLB.com. Initially, the plan was for Williamson and right-handers Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder to mix and match in the final two rotation spots to begin the 2026 campaign. Fantasy managers should temper expectations with Williamson this year after he missed all of the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. The 27-year-old southpaw went 5-5 with a 4.39 ERA (4.84 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 110 strikeouts and 44 walks in 131 1/3 innings over 27 appearances (26 starts) for the Reds in the last two seasons after debuting in the big leagues in 2023. When Lodolo makes his return, potentially after one or two turns through the team's rotation in April, Williamson could be sent to the minors or moved to a long-relief role as the Reds look to manage his workload.
Source: MLB.com - Rich Rovito
Source: MLB.com - Rich Rovito
