Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson to have Tommy John surgery

By GARY SCHATZ The Associated Press

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson, left, talks with catcher Tyler Stephenson and a trainer before being taken out of the game with an injury against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jay LaPrete]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson says he has a full UCL tear that will require Tommy John surgery. The left-hander exited Tuesday night’s game against Atlanta in the second inning with a strained elbow. He doubled over for a brief moment near the mound before being replaced. Williamson said Wednesday he had two MRIs to diagnose the tear. Williamson, a second-round pick in the 2019 amateur draft, hurt his shoulder in spring training. The 26-year-old made his first major league start of the season Sept. 1. It was the first of four starts this year.