Can Brandon Williamson pitch his way into Cincinnati Reds' 2027 plans?
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Can Brandon Williamson pitch his way into Cincinnati Reds' 2027 plans?
Shelby Dermer, Cincinnati Enquirer·The Enquirer
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4 min read
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You can addBrandon Williamson's application into theCincinnati Reds' September job fair as the club hopes the final four weeks of a disappointing season offers a glimpse into what the 2027 roster will look like.
For Williamson, whoreached a tendered contract for $770,000 last offseason, his outing on Wednesday, Sept. 2 was about more than just getting back on a major-league mound. It was his first September audition to show the Reds what they might have in 2027.
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Williamson hadn't pitched since April 29, when shoulder fatigue put him on the 60-day injured list. He had already missed the entire 2025 season following Tommy John surgery.
Wednesday's outing againstSan Diegowas only Williamson's seventh start over the last two years. It also came at the beginning of what manager Terry Francona called an "important month" for Williamson, though he later clarified that it's a "big month for everybody."
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"I think you're always trying to look at that (2027)," Francona said pregame Sept. 2. "Guys still have to show up and pitch, play and compete and things like that."
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Williamson certainly did that in a gutsy 87-pitch effort in his (short-lived) return to the Reds' rotation. An early wall-scraping two-run homer in the first inning and some trouble in the second put Cincinnati in a 3-0 hole. Williamson settled in and delivered 5 â…“ innings with a season-high five strikeouts as the offense rallied for a7-3 victory and a series winover the playoff contending Padres.
"I felt good, pretty much from the jump," Williamson said. "Early on, I was just kind of throwing. I was just trying to throw good stuff in the zone, and I did that. They're a good team and took advantage. As the game went on, I started pitching more ball-to-strike pitches and executed a little better on some hitters."
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Francona particularly liked Williamson's mix of pitches, which included 34 cutters, 25 changeups and 13 breaking balls (sweeper/curveball). Williamson threw 58 strikes, producing 15 swings on pitches out of the zone,according to StatCast.
"He's been down, he's missed time," Francona said. "I think he's got a chance to be really good. That's what we're shooting for."
For Williamson, who returned to the Reds and got a win on his daughter's birthday, the bigger victory was feeling like a major-leaguer again.
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"Any time you pitch in the big leagues, it's a big deal," he said. "There might be a little extra sense of urgency just because I haven't played, but I feel pretty good. I feel pretty confident about what I can do."
That confidence has taken some time to rebuild. He specifically credited several people who helped him through the process, including his family and Reds Director of Rehab and Physical Therapy Eric Gonzalez.
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) hits a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Elly De La Cruz (44) high fives Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) after he hits a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) pitches in the eighth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) pitches in the ninth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) reacts to the Cincinnati Reds defeating San Diego Padres in the MLB game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) react to the Cincinnati Reds defeating San Diego Padres in the MLB game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) embraces Cincinnati Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo (2) while reacting to the Cincinnati Reds defeating San Diego Padres in the MLB game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds head coach Terry Francona conferences at the mound in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Pierce Johnson (52) gestures in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) bunts in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres pitcher Wandy Peralta (58) fist bumps San Diego Padres catcher Ethan Salas (8) in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres pitcher David Morgan (66) pitches in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Héctor Rodríguez (43) hits a solo home run in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Juan Brito (46) hits a 3-run home run in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Juan Brito (46) high fives Cincinnati Reds shortstop Matt McLain (9) after hitting a 3-run home run in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Matt McLain (9) turns a double play as San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) slides into second in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) catches a fly ball in cente field in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) catches a popped up bunt in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) hits a 2-run home run in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) high fives San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) after hitting a 2-run home run in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) high fives teammates after hitting a 2-run home run in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) hits a base hit in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) catches a fly ball in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres pitcher Casey Mize (32) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a base hit in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) throws to first for an out in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres right fielder Austin Hays (15) gestures after reaching second base on a double in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) catches a fly ball at the warning track in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) gestures after reaching first base in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) throws to first for an out in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) hits a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) hits a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Elly De La Cruz (44) high fives Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) after he hits a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) pitches in the eighth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) pitches in the ninth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) reacts to the Cincinnati Reds defeating San Diego Padres in the MLB game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) react to the Cincinnati Reds defeating San Diego Padres in the MLB game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) embraces Cincinnati Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo (2) while reacting to the Cincinnati Reds defeating San Diego Padres in the MLB game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Reds head coach Terry Francona conferences at the mound in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Pierce Johnson (52) gestures in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) bunts in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres pitcher Wandy Peralta (58) fist bumps San Diego Padres catcher Ethan Salas (8) in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres pitcher David Morgan (66) pitches in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Héctor Rodríguez (43) hits a solo home run in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Juan Brito (46) hits a 3-run home run in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Juan Brito (46) high fives Cincinnati Reds shortstop Matt McLain (9) after hitting a 3-run home run in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Matt McLain (9) turns a double play as San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) slides into second in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) catches a fly ball in cente field in the third inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) catches a popped up bunt in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) hits a 2-run home run in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) high fives San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) after hitting a 2-run home run in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France (25) high fives teammates after hitting a 2-run home run in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) hits a base hit in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) catches a fly ball in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres pitcher Casey Mize (32) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a base hit in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) throws to first for an out in the first inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
San Diego Padres right fielder Austin Hays (15) gestures after reaching second base on a double in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) catches a fly ball at the warning track in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds, 9/2
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) gestures after reaching first base in the second inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) throws to first for an out in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
But the biggest takeaway is that Williamson feels ready for the September challenge. His September audition won't be against other expanded rosters that are trying to find minor leaguers work in The Show. He'll be facing some of the best lineups in baseball as the Reds end the year against a gauntlet that includes theDodgers,Brewers,Cubsand Braves.
Williamson will also have to do it out of the bullpen − which he's done once at the big-league level (Sept. 6, 2024, againstthe Mets) − as he'llpiggyback off Chase Burns' startsdown the stretch in an attempt to manage the All-Star's innings.
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"The schedule is the schedule. The arm feels good, I feel good about where I'm at with my pitches," Williamson said. "I don't feel like I'm done. I don't feel like getting back is enough to scratch the itch or feel like it's over."
