GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Martin County West graduate Brandon Williamson is expected to make one more appearance in a major league Spring Training game before joining The Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.
“I think Brandon is going to throw in our last big-league game on Tuesday and will fly out Wednesday and will be scheduled to fit into the rotation," Reds vice president for player development Shawn Pender told the Chattanooga Times Free Press. "He's best friends and a former (TCU) roommate of Nick Lodolo, and it's been fun to see those two catch up and connect.
“He's got a strong, four-pitch mix and is made of the right stuff to have a good season in Chattanooga with the opportunity to move up depending on how well he does.”
The Reds face the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday in their final game in Arizona.
Williamson had been a member of the Seattle organization since being selected by the Mariners in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
He was acquired last month through a trade that sent Reds outfielder Jesse Winker, a National League All-Star last year, to Seattle. Williamson quickly became MLB.com's No. 5 Reds prospect.
The 6-foot-6 Williamson has made one appearance for the Reds this spring.
He was not involved in the decision in a game vs. the Cleveland Guardians. Williamson pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, walking two and striking out two.
Chattanooga starts its 138-game Double-A Southern League schedule on the road against the Tennessee Smokies (Cubs) in Kodak. The Lookouts’ home opener is vs. the Birmingham Barons (White Sox) on April 12.
Those teams, along with the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels) make up the Northern Division of the Souther League.
In the Southern Division are the Biloxi Shockers (Brewers), Mississippi Braves (Braves), Montgomery Biscuits (Rays), and Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Marlins).