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Reds Will Open 2026 With Six Starters, Including Burns, Lowder and Williamson

Terry Francona frames it as a short-term workload plan during Hunter Greene’s absence.

Overview

  • Francona confirmed a six-starter setup for Opening Day, with Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer starting the first three games.
  • Brandon Williamson, Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder also made the roster, with two slated to start Games 4–5 and the third available in long relief or tandem duty.
  • The team is calling it a short-term, condensed rotation to manage innings and keep arms stretched out, with Abbott lined up again for Game 6.
  • Greene is expected out until midseason, and recent injuries or workload limits for Burns, Lowder and Williamson helped drive the approach.
  • Francona said reliever Connor Phillips and outfielder Will Benson made the club, narrowing remaining bench competition, per beat reporting.