Reds Starter Goes Down Hard After Shocking MRI Reveal

CINCINNATI — The Reds were counting on Carson Spiers to be a key depth piece in the second half of the season, whether as a starter or reliever. But those plans are off the table now. Manager Terry Francona announced before Saturday’s game against the Rays that Spiers will undergo surgery on the UCL in his right elbow, sidelining him for the rest of 2025—and likely well into 2026.

The decision came after Spiers got a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister, a well-known orthopedic surgeon.

“I really feel for the kid,” Francona said. “He’s tough as nails—he keeps saying he can still pitch. I told him, ‘Your pain tolerance must be through the roof,’ because even now, he insists he’s good to go.”

Spiers has been on the 60-day injured list since April 20 with a shoulder impingement. During a recent rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on July 19 against St. Paul, he experienced new soreness in his right biceps, which led to further evaluation and the current diagnosis.

In limited MLB action this season, the 27-year-old went 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA over three appearances (two starts). He began the year in the rotation while Andrew Abbott was recovering from injury, and the Reds viewed him as a valuable swingman—capable of starting or relieving.

It remains unclear whether Spiers will undergo a full Tommy John surgery (UCL replacement) or the less invasive internal brace procedure. Either way, he likely won’t be back until late 2026.

No date has been scheduled yet for the surgery, but it’s expected to be performed by Meister in Arlington, Texas.

“They’ve still got to finalize all the details,” Francona said. “Meister’s in high demand, so they’ve got to coordinate everything.”