CINCINNATI – Former Tom Sox pitcher/infielder and Clemson Tiger Carson Spiers made his MLB debut on Sunday for the Cincinnati Reds, starting on the mound against the Cubs. Spiers is the third former ‘Sox player to make his MLB debut, in the second player in two weeks.
Spiers spent time as a pitcher and hitter on Charlottesville’s 2017 championship team. He turned out a .143 batting average in 11 games at the plate and a 5.68 ERA on the mound, where he eventually settled at Clemson. He was in Charlottesville for a limited time as he suffered an injury mid-way through the summer.
Spiers was one of Clemson’s top relievers in 2018 and 2019, becoming the team’s closer in 2019. He made 29 appearances for the Tigers in 2018, recording four saves and a 2.08 ERA over 43.1 innings. He led the team in ERA, appearances, and opponents’ batting average (.149). He earned the closer’s spot in 2019 and was named to the All-ACC Third Team. He finished with 11 saves for the Tigers in 2019, sporting a 3.59 ERA and .220 opponent average over 30 appearances (47.2 innings). In 2020, Spiers did not allow a run before the season was canceled.
Following the end of his Clemson career, Spiers was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Reds. He made his pro debut when MiLB resumed play in 2021, converting to a starting role for much of the season. In 25 appearances (20 starts) across Single-A and High-A ball, he went 8-4 with a 3.55 ERA, striking out 130 batters across 111.2 innings.
He began the 2022 season in Double-A, making 22 appearances (all starts) for the Chattanooga Lookouts. He then moved up to Triple-A, making five appearances (one start) for the Louisville Bats. Across 121.2 total innings in 2022, he finished with a 5.33 ERA, 4-6 record, 105 strikeouts, and a .289 opponent average.
He went back to Double-A to begin the 2023 season, making 28 appearances (nine starts) for Chattanooga before being promoted to the big league club. Across 83 innings for the Lookouts, he had a 3.69 ERA, 8-3 record, 106 strikeouts, and a .226 opponent average. After being called up on September 1, Spiers made his MLB debut on September 3 in a home start against the Cubs. He tossed four innings to open his career, allowing five hits, three runs, a pair of walks, and seven strikeouts. If he remains in his spot in the rotation, he is lined up to start Friday’s (September 8) series opener against the Cardinals.
Spiers becomes the third Tom Sox player to appear in an MLB game, following Vinnie Pasquantino last season and Evan Justice just over a week prior, on August 28.
