Chase Burns may not be finished with the Cincinnati Reds this season, but his upcoming start later this week against the Pittsburgh Pirates could end up being his final one of 2025.
The Reds haven’t officially set their rotation for the four-game series in Pittsburgh, but with Nick Lodolo, Zack Littell, and Andrew Abbott slated to pitch against the Cubs earlier in the week, it’s likely Burns and Brady Singer will get starts on the road.
However, Hunter Greene is nearing a return to the Reds’ rotation after making his second rehab appearance on Sunday. He’s expected to make one more start in Louisville before being activated, at which point Burns will likely be the odd man out.
Hunter Greene will likely receive one more rehab start before replacing Chase Burns in the Reds rotation
Greene scored 3⅓ against the Omaha Storm Chasers on Sunday afternoon. The Reds’ fireballer tossed 66 pitches, yielding two runs on three hits and striking out seven. Greene’s last tuneup indicates that he is almost ready to return from the groin issue that has plagued him for the duration of the 2025 season.
Greene’s expected return will kick off a domino effect that began with the Reds’ trade deadline acquisition of Littell. The former Tampa Bay Rays starter is replacing Nick Martinez in Cincinnati’s rotation making his Reds debut against the Cubs at Wrigley Field Tuesday night.
Martinez will transition to the bullpen as a high-leverage reliever, a role in which he excelled last season.
Burns, who has been quite impressive this season, is on an innings restriction and will join Martinez in the bullpen whenever Greene returns to the mound. Burns is unlikely to replace Emilio Pagán or Tony Santillan in the Reds bullpen, but his exceptional fastball combined with his lethal slider would give the relief corps another weapon.
Burns’ rise to the major leagues has been nothing short of amazing. Burns, who was drafted just over a year ago, has been overpowering at moments this season and has almost secured himself a spot in next year’s rotation. However, he will spend the rest of the season in the Reds’ bullpen.
