The Reds’ Guide to First Half Success Without Hunter Greene

Abbott cracked the All-Star team in 2025 and eventually put up a 2.87 ERA season, and he will look to carry the load as the ace for the first few months of the year. It will be a challenge, no doubt, but if anyone on this team can step up, it’s him.

#2: Nick Lodolo

Nick Lodolo, the usual number three starter on the team, will slot up one spot. Lodolo is fascinating because he is a big lefty that throws slightly across his body, from a low arm angle, and has a sweet fastball, breaking ball combo.

He is coming off the best season of his young career, as he had a 3.33 ERA in 29 starts. As a result, he is one of, if not the most important part of the equation for a successful Reds rotation, but not just because of his abilities, but also his availability.

The 29-start figure was great, as it is about as close to a full starter’s season as one can get, but the lingering injuries are what trouble some fans. Lodolo has dealt with blisters on his pitching hand, which have caused missed starts and shortened starts.

The good news for Cincinnati is that these minor “injuries” have mostly all occurred in the later months of the year, so things should be smooth sailing from March to July.

#3: Brady Singer

Next up on the list is Brady Singer , the usual number four starter, who will slot into the three spot. It is worth noting that he exited Wednesday’s start against the Colorado Rockies with an apparent injury, but it was later revealed to be a blister. This is a minor injury that will not force him to miss any time, and the early exit was for precautionary reasons rather than a true injury.

Singer was as advertised in his first season with the Reds last year. He made all 32 starts, accumulating 169 2/3 innings with a 4.03 ERA. He is an extremely valuable piece in a rotation, as he doesn’t particularly excel at any one thing, but is solid all around.

#4: Chase Burns

Chase Burns, Cincinnati’s super prospect, has officially made the Opening Day roster, much to everyone’s surprise (sarcasm). After his cup of coffee down the stretch last season, Burns was essentially guaranteed to be a part of the rotation in 2026.

He is the youngest starter on the team, at just 23 years old, but his stuff may be the best on the team. Combining the velocity and movement, it should surprise nobody if he posts an ERA better than the 4.57 mark from last year.

#5: Rhett Lowder

Rhett Lowder joins Burns as a recently drafted top prospect who has limited experience but an extremely high upside.

Lowder is essentially Burn’s clone career-wise so far (or should I say Burns is Lowder’s clone since Lowder was drafted one year ahead). Both of them had quick ascensions to the big leagues and made a handful of starts/appearances down the stretch of the season.

Lowder was fantastic in six starts at the end of 2024, posting a 1.17 ERA. Only a fool would expect a sub two ERA from Lowder again this season, especially after an injury-riddled 2025 year, but the hopes are definitely high for the #4 prospect in the organization.

#6: Brandon Williamson

Brandon Williamson, perhaps surprisingly (not sarcastic this time), also cracked the Opening Day roster and will fill in as the sixth starter. The surprising aspects of this decision aren’t necessarily due to Williamson’s abilities, but rather the Reds going for a six-man rotation.

Upon further thought, however, it makes perfect sense why the Reds would opt for a six-man rotation rather than the traditional five. With their ace Hunter Greene on the shelf, it would be tragic if another Reds arm were to go down.

Williamson, like Burns and Lowder, has limited experience in the big leagues. In 2023 and 2024 combined, he has made 27 appearances with a 4.39 ERA.

It is unlikely that he will stay in the rotation after Greene’s return, but he can always just slot into a bullpen role when the time comes. He is a cutter-heavy starter and is the only one on the team with a cutter as a primary pitch, which could be interesting to see.