San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds

While the Reds are still trying to win as many games as they can during what remains of the 2026 season, they're also trying to envision a 2027 starting rotation without the injured Hunter Greene. That's where Brandon Williamson can come into the picture. Pitching for Cincinnati on Wednesday for the first time since April 29, Williamson has a chance for strong consideration. “This is an important month for him, yeah," manager Terry Francona said before his team faced the Padres. Williamson overcame early trouble and the Reds came away with a 7-3 win over San Diego that gave them their second straight series victory over a contending club. The left-hander put together 5 1/3 innings with three runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out five.  “It’s validating and I don’t feel like I’m done," Williamson said. "I don’t feel like getting back is enough to scratch the itch or feel that it’s over. I want to put together a full season.” It looked dicey for Williamson during the first two innings as the Padres took a 3-0 lead, with all the runs coming with two outs. Following a leadoff single to center field by Fernando Tatis Jr. to begin the day, Ty France hit a 2-2 changeup for a two-out, two-run home run to the first row of seats in left field. Austin Hays hit a leadoff double in the second inning and came home on Tatis Jr.'s RBI single to left-center field. “I thought his cutter was a good pitch. I thought his changeup was a good pitch," Francona said. "The first inning, I know it was a two-run homer, but that ball wasn’t killed. Balls were carrying today like crazy."