Reds bullpen plans in jeopardy after devastating injury changes everything

Update (8/15/2025 at 3:04 p.m. ET): According to Charlie Clifford of NBC5, after an MRI, the team doctors believe Burns avoided anything serious.

The Cincinnati Reds were dealt a serious injury blow on Friday with the announcement that rookie fireballer Chase Burns was placed on the 15-day injured list with a grade 1 right flexor strain. The team recalled left-hander Joe La Sorsa to take Burns' spot on the active roster.

The Reds had plans in the coming days to move Burns into the bullpen. The right-hander was on an innings limit this season, and the team hoped that removing him from the starting rotation would allow them to keep him on the roster for the the remainder of his rookie season. It looks like he's headed to the IL instead.

Though his record (and ERA) won't really show it, Burns has been quite impressive this season. The flamethrower, who was just drafted over a year ago, flew up the ladder of the Reds' minor-league system and made his MLB debut earlier this season. In eight appearances, Burns is 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 34⅓ innings pitched this season. His prognosis is not yet known.

Reds bullpen plans in jeopardy after Chase Burns lands on the injured list

The Reds selected Burns' contract back on June 24 after Cincinnati lost both Hunter Greene and Wade Miley to the IL. The Reds needed an extra starter, Burns proved enough to the Reds' brass during the early-going in the minors, and they decided to give him a shot.

The righty excelled during his first start against the New York Yankees, but ran into a buzzsaw against the Boston Red Sox the following week. Over his last few starts, Burns finally appeared to be settling in to life in the major leagues. If you subtract the abbreviated start during the Speedway Series — which was halted due to rain — Burns has struck out 40 batters over his last 22⅓ innings of work.

Thankfully the Reds have Hunter Greene back in the fold. The right-hander returned from his two-plus months on the IL earlier this week and his presence in the rotation will help cushion the blow. There's a chance that Nick Lodolo will return next week, and Nick Martinez has already been welcomed back to the Reds starting rotation.

The Reds will have to rethink their bullpen plan going forward, and for now, La Sorsa will help offset the loss of Burns. Manager Terry Francona has leaned heavily on the likes of Emilio Pagán, Scott Barlow, and Tony Santillan this season, and with Burns now out of the picture, those three won't be getting a respite anytime soon.

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