Reds’ hopes for Chase Burns could quietly hinge on Nick Martinez

The Cincinnati Reds will send Chase Burns to the mound tonight for his Major League debut. The second-overall pick in last year's draft has dominated the competition in the minor leagues, and the Reds' brass felt as though it was time for the flamethrower to make his first start in the big leagues. While expectations for Burns are high, his promotion doesn't come without risk.

Much like Paul Skenes in 2024, Burns will undoubtedly be on an innings limit this season. He threw 100 innings at Wake Forest in 2024 and has already eclipsed 65 innings in the minors this year. If you're expecting the right-hander to remain in the Reds' rotation for the remainder of the 2025 season, I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you.

This, however, is where Nick Martinez enters the equation. The veteran proved twice over the last few days that he's the very definition of a team player. Martinez, after starting last Thursday, came on in relief for Reds on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals and once again on Monday versus the New York Yankees. Martinez's very presence on the roster could be key to Burns' success in 2025.

Reds’ hopes for Chase Burns could quietly hinge on Nick Martinez

Martinez proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, just how valuable he could be to this ball club. That's why Cincinnati signed the right-hander to a one-year, $21.05 million deal during the offseason. Martinez posted a 3.10 ERA in 42 appearances for the Reds in 2024; 28 of which came out of the bullpen. Will Martinez take on a similar role this year as the season moves along?

At the moment, the Reds starting rotation consists of Martinez (who'll start on Friday), Burns, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Brandy Singer. Wade Miley is out with a flexor strain and may not return, and Cincinnati is also without Julian Aguiar and Brandon Williamson; both of whom underwent Tommy John surgery last year.

The Reds do, however, have two top-tier arms recovering from injury. Cincinnati expects both Hunter Greene and Rhett Lowder to return to the active roster at some point this season. Carson Spiers is also on the mend, and could be back next month. As these starters return, will the Reds consider moving Martinez into the bullpen to piggyback off Burns' starts? Doing so would allow Cincinnati to keep the rookie in the rotation while also preserving the bullpen.

Speaking about Martinez coming on in relief during Monday's game against the Yankees, reliever Emilio Pagán heaped praise on his teammate. Pagán told Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmiith, "Not only can he do it, he excels at it.”

It remains to be seen if Martinez will make a more permanent return to the Reds bullpen this season, but just his willingness to do so is something that fans should applaud. Burns makes his debut tonight at Great American Ball Park, and if the Reds hope to keep him in the rotation for the rest of the season, they'll have to get creative with his workload.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors