Reds' Brandon Williamson: Fans five in season debut

Williamson did not factor into the decision in Sunday's win over Milwaukee, allowing two earned runs on four hits and zero walks while striking out five in 3.1 innings.

Working his way back from a shoulder injury that sidelined most of the season, Williamson made his 2024 debut Sunday after just one rehab start in the minors. The 26-year-old impressed early on, retiring the first seven batters he faced and logging a strong second inning during which he struck out the side. Williamson slowed down as the game progressed, allowing a sacrifice fly in the third and a solo home run to Willy Adames in the fourth before departing after 66 pitches. Williamson displayed impressive control Sunday, throwing 44 of his 66 pitches for strikes en route to a flawless 5:0 K:BB. The southpaw started 23 games for Cincinnati as a rookie last season, going 5-5 with a 4.46 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 98:39 K:BB in 117 innings.