Reds News: Chase Burns' innings limit, Emilio Pagán's absence, Brandon Williamson rehab

There's been an expectation among the Cincinnati Reds fanbase and the media that All-Star pitcher Chase Burns will soon be shut down due to an innings restriction. The fireballer has already reached a career-high innings pitched (124 IP), and with Cincinnati all but eliminated from playoff contention, removing him from the rotation would seem to be the most prudent approach.

But the Reds and manager Terry Francona have no such intentions. When asked about Burns' workload as he heads into Friday's start against the Miami Marlins, the skipper was very matter of fact about his level of concern for his star pitcher. Here's what Tito had to say courtesy of MLB.com writer Mark Sheldon:

“None. None. None. We have to try to win the game today, and then we’ll try to win the game tomorrow. He’s fine. He’s in a range. He’s in a good place.”

Reds News: Shutting down Chase Burns is not on the agenda (for now)

It would seem that until Cincinnati is mathematically eliminated from the MLB Postseason, Francona and Co. have zero intention to shut Burns down for the season. It's fair to assume that the Reds' righty could finish out the season in the rotation, but given the uptick in arm injuries for hard-throwers like Burns, there's certainly some level of risk involved.

The Reds know that better than most. Cincinnati starter Hunter Greene recently underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, and he'll now miss the entire 2027 season as a result. Given Burns' importance to the organization moving forward, one can only hope that the Reds don't push the young flamethrower past his limit.

Reds News: Emilio Pagán missed save opportunity, battling hand injury

It was strange seeing Emilio Pagán in the bullpen while the Reds maintained a slim two-run lead during the bottom of the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday afternoon. The veteran has been the Reds' closer for nearly two years, and he's one of the most reliable relievers in the Cincinnati 'pen.

Pagán had only pitched once over the past eight days, so his absence was notable. Francona revealed after Thursday's affair that the Reds' closer is battling a hand injury, and he'll have it examined sometime on Friday.

"He's got some hand soreness. We are going to get him looked at tomorrow morning," Francona told reporters after the game. "He really wanted to pitch...but just want to make sure he's okay."

Reds News: Brandon Williamson's next rehab is scheduled

While it seems like Pagán might be ticketed for the injured list, another Reds pitcher is getting closer and closer to a return. Brandon Williamson appeared in his third rehab outing earlier this week, and the left-hander will make another appearance on Sunday, August 16.

Williamson started six games for the Reds to begin the year, but he's been on the IL since April. He's made one rehab start at Double-A Chattanooga and two at Triple-A Louisville. To date, however, he's yet to surpass two innings, so fans may have wait at least another week until they see the southpaw back on the bump for the Reds.

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