Chase Burns flop vs. Red Sox forces Reds to continue endless bullpen makeover

The Cincinnati Reds bullpen has been a work in progress throughout the entire 2025 season. Manager Terry Francona seems content with the duo of Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagán locking down the eighth and ninth innings respectively, but the rest of the relief corps has been wildly inconsistent.

Prior to Tuesday's game against the Boston Red Sox, the Reds made numerous roster moves to help rejuvenate an exhausted bullpen. The Reds recalled Sam Moll and selected the contract of Sam Benschoter. Cincinnati sent both Joe La Sorsa and Connor Phillips back to the minors. In addition, the Reds also moved Noelvi Marte's rehab assignment from Double-A Chattanooga to Triple-A Louisville.

Chase Burns' horrendous performance on Monday night at Fenway Park is partially to blame for the Reds' roster shuffle. Burns only made it through ⅓ of an inning against the Red Sox before being lifted in favor of left-hander Brent Suter.

Chase Burns flop vs. Red Sox forces Reds to continue endless bullpen makeover

Burns only got one out on Monday and many pundits believe the rookie was tipping his pitches. Burns was tagged for seven runs and didn't record a strikeout on the evening. It made for a long night for the Reds bullpen with Suter, La Sorsa, and Phillips all logging at least two innings of work. La Sorsa and Phillips combined for six runs on eight hits, including three home runs.

Moll has been down in the minors for quite some time. The lefty suffered an early-season injury and was optioned to Triple-A back in May. Benschoter will be making his Major League debut when he steps onto the mound.

The 27-year-old from Ann Arbor, Michigan was signed in 2021 and has steadily worked his way up through the Reds minor league system. On the season, Benschoter owns a 4.06 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched. He operated as both a starter and reliever for the Louisville Bats this season.

Marte is now one step closer to making his return. Several rainouts have put a damper on his rehab with the Chattanooga Lookouts, and the Reds are hoping a move to Louisville will give him the chance to face some top-level competition before returning to the active roster.

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