Reds FeedCarson Spiers
P · Age 28 · Bats Right · Throws Right
Where things stand
Carson Spiers struggled in a late-season audition for the Cincinnati Reds, allowing four home runs and five earned runs across just six September innings after returning from Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old right-hander had shown promise earlier in his rehab assignment with strong Triple-A performances, but his poor finish has complicated the Reds' rotation plans heading into 2027. Spiers was called up in August to fill a roster spot when Chase Burns went on the injured list, though he was not expected to contribute significantly to the major-league team this season.
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Carson Spiers coverage
Brandon Williamson and Carson Spiers made life harder for the Reds this offseason
The Cincinnati Reds face rotation uncertainty heading into 2027 with only Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo locked in as starters, leaving multiple spots to fill after Brady Singer enters free agency. Brandon Williamson and Carson Spiers, both 28-year-old pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, had September opportunities to audition for rotation spots but failed to impress. Williamson posted a 5.94 ERA in Louisville before returning to the majors with a 5.70 FIP over 24⅔ innings, while Spiers allowed four home runs and five earned runs across just six September innings. Both pitchers' injury histories and poor late-season performance have complicated the Reds' plans to fill their rotation needs for next season.
Blog Red MachineReds place Chase Burns on IL, designate TJ Friedl for assignment
The Reds placed pitcher Chase Burns on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain, effectively ending his season with little time remaining on the schedule. To make room on the 40-man roster for replacement pitcher Carson Spiers, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, Cincinnati designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment. Friedl, the team's regular leadoff hitter and center fielder since 2023, has experienced a significant decline this season, posting a .510 OPS through 91 games after posting a .364 OBP last year. The Reds are likely to non-tender Friedl in the offseason rather than pay him through arbitration, though he could potentially return on a minor league deal.
Red ReporterReds Designate TJ Friedl For Assignment
The Reds designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Carson Spiers, who was called up from Triple-A Louisville. Friedl, who had a strong 2023 season with a .279 average and 4.1 WAR, has declined significantly in 2026, posting a .179/.259/.256 slash line with a 44 wRC+ through early June before being optioned to Louisville. The move comes as Chase Burns goes on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain; Burns had a strong season with a 2.86 ERA and 4.3 fWAR before the injury ended his year.
MLB Trade RumorsReds place Burns on the IL, call up Spiers, and DFA TJ Friedl
The Cincinnati Reds placed All-Star pitcher Chase Burns on the 15-day injured list due to a right groin strain, ending his season after a stellar rookie year in which he went 15-3 with a 2.86 ERA across 29 starts. The team called up Carson Spiers from Triple-A Louisville to fill Burns's rotation spot and designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Spiers is returning from Tommy John surgery and has pitched well in recent Triple-A starts, allowing just two runs over 16 innings in his last three outings. Friedl struggled significantly in 2026, batting .172 in 91 games with the Reds, and may see his time with the organization end if another team doesn't claim him on waivers.
Redleg NationForgotten Reds starter is suddenly making a case to replace Brady Singer
Brady Singer struggled badly in his recent start against the Dodgers, lasting just 3⅓ innings while allowing seven runs. Carson Spiers, a Reds pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery, has shown significant improvement in his Triple-A rehab assignment with 21 strikeouts over his last three starts while allowing just two runs across 16 innings. Spiers, who is pre-arbitration eligible with remaining minor-league options, could provide an inexpensive rotation option for Cincinnati in 2027. Singer's performance has deteriorated sharply this season, posting an 8.48 ERA over his last eight games with opponents batting .330 against him.
Blog Red MachineReds News: Cardinals dump trade pickup, Carson Spiers' comeback, former top pick released
The Reds traded left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson to the St. Louis Cardinals at the deadline in exchange for a 19-year-old pitching prospect and $250,000 in international bonus pool money, but Ferguson struggled significantly with his new team, posting an 8.64 ERA over nine appearances before being released. Pitcher Carson Spiers is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, recently completing a rehab assignment with the Dayton Dragons where he allowed two runs over 3⅔ innings with four strikeouts. The Reds released former third-round draft pick Hunter Hollan, a 24-year-old right-hander whose career has been derailed by injuries, limiting him to just 25 appearances since being drafted three years ago.
Blog Red MachineReds News: Graham Ashcraft injury update, Carson Spiers rehab, Arizona Fall League affiliate
Graham Ashcraft is expected to begin a rehab assignment this week as he recovers from a UCL sprain sustained in May. The right-hander has been throwing live batting practice and is scheduled to pitch three times with Triple-A Louisville, with a potential final rehab outing on August 30 before returning to the active roster. Meanwhile, Carson Spiers made his first appearance in nearly 17 months with the Dayton Dragons, pitching 3⅔ innings while allowing two runs and striking out four, though he is not expected to rejoin the major-league roster this season.
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