Hunter Greene's rehab start just triggered a painful Reds rotation decision

Though it's unlikely that Chase Burns has made his final appearances for the Cincinnati Reds this season, his trip to the mound later this week against the Pittsburgh Pirates may be his last start of 2025.

The Reds have yet to announce their rotation for the four-game set with the Bucs over the weekend, but with Nick Lodolo, Zack Littell, and Andrew Abbott scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs at the outset of the week, it's a good bet that Burns and Brady Singer will pick up a start on the road in Pittsburgh.

But fellow Reds starter Hunter Greene is readying to return to Cincinnati's rotation and just completed his second rehab start on Sunday. It's safe to assume that Greene will toe the rubber one more time in Louisville before returning to the active roster, at which point he'll likely displace Burns from the rotation.

Hunter Greene will likely receive one more rehab start before replacing Chase Burns in the Reds rotation

Greene went 3⅓ against the Omaha Storm Chasers on Sunday afternoon. The Reds' fireballer threw a total of 66 pitches while allowing two runs on three hits and striking out seven. Greene's latest tuneup is sign that he's nearly ready to return from the groin injury that's been plaguing him for the majority of the 2025 season.

Greene's impending return will cause a domino effect that's already been set in motion following the Reds' acquisition of Littell at the trade deadline. The former Tampa Bay Rays starter is taking Nick Martinez's turn in Cincinnati's rotation, and will make his Reds' debut at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night versus the Cubs. Martinez will move into the bullpen as a high-leverage reliever; a capacity he thrived in last season.

Burns, who's been exceedingly impressive this season, is on an innings restriction and will then join Martinez in the bullpen once Greene is back on the bump. It's doubtful that Burns will replace one of Emilio Pagán or Tony Santillan at the backend of the Reds bullpen, but his elite-fastball paired with that devastating slider would add another weapon to the relief corps.

Burns' ascension to the big leagues has been nothing short of astonishing. Drafted just over a year ago, Burns has been dominant at times this season and has all but guaranteed himself a spot in next year's rotation. For the remainder of this season, however, his home will be in the Reds bullpen.

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