The Cincinnati Reds have placed left-handed starting pitcher Brandon Williamson on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder fatigue, following an MRI that provided some reassuring news for the team.

"Structurally it came back good," Reds manager Terry Francona explained. "He will go on a shoulder program (for) range of motion, strength, all that stuff."

The 28-year-old Williamson was pulled after just three innings in a tough 13-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies, allowing four runs on four hits while walking four and striking out four. It's been a challenging road back for the southpaw, who is 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA in six starts this season after missing all of last year following left elbow surgery in September 2024.

Williamson had earned a spot on the Opening Day roster when fellow left-hander Nick Lodolo landed on the IL with a blister on his left index finger. Francona acknowledged that some bumps along the way were always a possibility given Williamson's extended layoff.

"When he made the club, because he pitched so well in the spring, we were all concerned that, OK, it's going to be every five or six days, there's going to be some hiccups," Francona said.

Despite these pitching challenges, the Reds (19-11) are off to their best 30-game start since 2006. They've managed to stay competitive even without starters Hunter Greene and Lodolo, and with Andrew Abbott struggling to a 6.59 ERA in six starts. Greene has begun a throwing program and is projected to return in July, while Lodolo will likely need one more rehab start before being activated. Right-hander Zach Maxwell has been recalled from Triple-A to help fill the gap.