The Reds have a bullpen question to answer.
It was recently revealed that Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene is expected to be out until July due to an elbow injury. The unfortunate news left Cincinnati with another starting rotation question to answer, as the team was left with two rotation spots instead of one to address. On Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith reported that reliever Caleb Ferguson will likely miss the beginning of the 2026 season due to an oblique injury. The Reds now have a question to answer in their bullpen as a result.
How will they replace Ferguson?
Ferguson was expected to be one of the Reds' reliable left-handed pitchers in the bullpen in 2026. He still can be that at some point, but the Reds are likely going to need to find a replacement to start the year.
Left-handers Brock Burke and Sam Moll are options to help fill the void. Southpaw Brandon Williamson is currently battling for a rotation spot. If he does not earn a spot in the starting rotation, perhaps the Reds will consider turning to him in the bullpen as well.
Most teams have two or three left-handed relievers. Ferguson was the best southpaw reliever on the team, so this injury is unquestionably far from ideal. It remains to be seen how much time he will miss, but the Reds are certainly hoping for a quick recovery.
Caleb Ferguson Battling Injury at Spring Training
Ferguson, 29, has been a reliable relief pitcher over the years. He has pitched in MLB since 2018, as he made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition to the Dodgers, Ferguson has spent time with the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners. In 2025, the southpaw turned in a 3.58 ERA across 70 total appearances between the Pirates and Mariners.
The Reds were looking for ways to improve their bullpen this past offseason. They were able to re-sign star closer Emilio Pagan, which should prove to be an especially important move. The Ferguson signing was crucial as well, so his early season absence will negatively impact the ball club to say the least.
The Reds will monitor and provide updates on Caleb Ferguson's injury status as they are made available. For now, Cincinnati will focus on trying to find a way to replace him to begin the 2026 MLB season, something that will surely be much easier said than done.