The Cincinnati Reds placed right-handed pitcher Carson Spiers on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right shoulder impingement, and called up right-hander Randy Wynne from Triple-A Louisville to take his spot.
Spiers had just been recalled from Louisville on Friday to start Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles in place of Nick Lodolo, who is on paternity leave. However, with the bullpen depleted, Spiers was called into action early and pitched in relief on Saturday instead.
He threw 94 pitches over four innings, allowing four runs on five hits—including two home runs—while walking four and striking out three in the Reds’ 9-5 loss to the Orioles.
Manager Terry Francona said the team was about to send Spiers back to Triple-A when trainers reported the shoulder issue. “We talked, and he admitted it had been bothering him since spring training,” Francona said. “I told him, ‘I admire your toughness, but I wish you had told us sooner.’ You respect that he tried to push through, but you also don’t want a player hurting himself.”
The 27-year-old Spiers is scheduled to undergo an MRI in Cincinnati on Monday to assess the injury.
“It’s been a nagging thing in the back of my shoulder,” Spiers explained. “It flares up during catch, but usually fades once the adrenaline hits. But after games, it starts bothering me again, so it’s time to get clarity and figure out next steps.”
This season, Spiers has a record of 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA, issuing seven walks and striking out 11 in 13 1/3 innings across three appearances (two starts). Since debuting in 2023, he has appeared in 29 games (14 starts), going 5-10 with a 5.69 ERA, one save, 41 walks, and 103 strikeouts over 117 innings.
Wynne, 32, is a rookie who pitched once in relief in 2023, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over 2 1/3 innings. He holds a career ERA of 3.86 with an 0-1 record.
