The guys are just now reporting to camp and we already are hearing some unfortunate news from players that the Cincinnati Reds will rely on throughout 2025. Injuries…the bane of our existence, but seemingly our reality year after year. Who is injured now? Is it enough to worry about their availability to begin the year? Subscribe to our newsletter below or using the pop-up if you haven’t already, we’ll make sure you’re informed & updated!
Rhett Lowder – Shoulder Fatigue/Elbow Soreness
Rhett Lowder is the first of a few that we know showed up with a few hiccups. In an article from Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, he told them that, ‘it’s nothing crazy, I’m just a little bit delayed to start spring,’ the injury appears to of stemmed from bullpens over the offseason. Rhett has not had any arm or shoulder issues in his career, so this is definitely a first.
He (Rhett) stated that he is feeling fine, and it was more precautionary to treat it as serious as they have so far. He is expected to begin throwing again shortly and get on a ‘build up’ program to potentially be ready for Opening Day. In his own words, “I just wasn’t recovering well from bullpen sessions, I feel good now.” To add to his sincerity of being A-OK, his MRI revealed no structural damage, or anything to worry about.
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Spencer Steer – Shoulder
Spencer Steer is still trying to catch up from his shoulder injury that bothered him late-2024 but he played through. Nick Krall made a comment that he would potentially only be DHing through early spring while he continued to build back up. The Reds posted videos of him taking ground balls, so one could assume he won’t be too far behind.
Spencer had, in his own terms, a “disappointing” season, though in many terms and through many other’s eyes it was not a disappointing season. Though he doesn’t have a defined position in the field just yet, one could assume he’ll play some pivotal baseball for the Cincinnati Reds in 2025 in a bounceback year offensively.
Brandon Williamson/Julian Aguiar – Tommy John
Unfortunately, the bird dog and one of our biggest depth pieces, Brandon Williamson, will likely miss all of 2025 with Tommy John surgery. There is a very slim chance that he can rehab quick enough to get back super late, but it is highly unlikely. He didn’t receive his surgery until November.
Julian Aguiar will be joining him in the unfortunate event of Tommy John surgery and recovery. He, like Brandon, will also miss all of 2025. He received his Tommy John surgery on October 12th and is expected to make a full recovery. Julian is one of the first Reds to be repaired by Dr. Meister.
The Good News…
The good news? Terry Francona is the manager. More good news…? TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are all in camp, healthy, and ready to go. McLain’s presence alone makes you feel comfortable that the Reds can win 5 or 6 more games this year. CES is in great shape and looking good. Jeimer Candelario is in great shape and ready to go after he scared us in the DoWL be hyperextending his leg. The Reds are finally healthy…for now. Don’t hold your breath!
