Reds' ballyhooed flamethrower set to make spring training debut vs. Rangers

So far this spring, there's been two notable absences from Cincinnati Reds during Cactus League play. Reds closer Alexis Díaz has yet to make his spring training debut, and until recently, many Reds fans were flummoxed as to why. However, reports emerged on Monday that Díaz was dealing with a minor hamstring injury and is expected to return the mound this weekend.

The other player who's yet to take the mound during Reds' spring training is Chase Burns. But that all changes on Wednesday when the Reds take the field against the Texas Rangers. According to the team's game notes, Burns will come out the Reds bullpen on Wednesday afternoon.

Reds' flamethrower Chase Burns set to make spring training debut vs. Rangers

Burns was the Reds' first-round draft pick last year. The right-hander, known for his high velocity, received a non-roster invite to spring training and will make his Reds debut after not pitching for the organization last season. It just so happens that Burns will be following another flamethrower on Wednesday with Hunter Greene scheduled to make his third start of the spring.

There are some scouts and MLB talent evaluators who believe that Burns will be ready for the big leagues by the end of the this season. That would have seemed a bit far-fetched to the large majority of Reds fanbase were it not for the fact that Rhett Lowder made his MLB debut last year.

A fellow Wake Forest product, the Reds quickly ran Lowder through the team's farm system and the right-hander made his debut late last August. Lowder was expected to be in the mix for a spot in the Reds starting rotation, but a setback upon his arrival to Goodyear will likely push the former first-rounder onto the IL to begin the 2025 season.

Unfortunately for the Cincinnati faithful, the game will not be televised. But, the entire contest can be heard on the Reds Radio Network. If Burns' arm is as live as everyone says it is, you'll be able to hear the unmistakable pop of the catcher's mitt all the way up in the broadcast booth.

Get ready, Reds fans. Burns is ready to bring the heat on Wednesday against the Rangers.

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