Cincinnati Reds pitcher Carson Spiers is set to undergo Tommy John surgery after an MRI confirmed damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), effectively ending his 2025 season and most, if not all, of 2026, according to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon. Spiers has not pitched since April because of a shoulder impingement, and a brief minor league rehab stint was cut short due to biceps soreness, which eventually led to the discovery of this more severe elbow injury.
Extended Absence Expected Due to Surgery and Recovery Timeline
The standard recovery period for Tommy John surgery ranges between 13 and 15 months, meaning Spiers is unlikely to return to pitching in the major leagues until sometime in 2027. While on the Reds’ injured list, Spiers will continue to accrue Major League service time, including during his anticipated stay on the 60-day injured list in 2026. There remains a slight possibility he could make a brief appearance late in the 2026 season, but any such outing would likely be limited and primarily for reassurance rather than competitive impact.
Career Overview: From Undrafted Free Agent to Major League Contributor
Spiers entered professional baseball as an undrafted free agent during the truncated 2020 draft, which was drastically shortened due to the pandemic. He reached the majors for the first time with the Reds in September 2023, initially making a few late-season appearances. In 2024, Spiers played a more significant role, pitching 90 2/3 innings with 10 starts across 22 games. This season was cut short after just three appearances and two starts, totaling 13 1/3 innings before his injury sidelined him.
Versatility and Performance in Various Pitching Roles
Throughout his time with Cincinnati, Spiers has demonstrated flexibility by serving as a long reliever, bulk pitcher, and piggyback starter, roles that enabled him to provide valuable innings even if his results were inconsistent. Over 117 innings in the major leagues, he holds a 5.69 earned run average (ERA), a 19.3% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate. His Triple-A statistics paint a somewhat better picture, though this year’s performance was influenced by his rehab focus, posting a 5.94 ERA in 16 2/3 innings for Louisville.
Impact of Injury on the Reds’ Pitching Staff and Future Outlook
Spiers’ injury adds to the challenges facing the Reds’ pitching rotation as they plan for the upcoming seasons. His ability to absorb innings as a multifaceted pitcher is an asset the team will miss during his long absence. Given his age and potential, the 2027 season will be critical for Spiers to prove his recovery and effectiveness on the mound. Until then, the Reds will need to adjust their pitching staff and explore other options to fill the void left by his Tommy John surgery.