Reds to Promote Top Prospect Chase Burns for Highly Anticipated MLB Debut vs. Yankees
The Cincinnati Reds are preparing to elevate one of their brightest young stars, right-handed pitcher Chase Burns, for a major league start this week against the New York Yankees.
The 22-year-old, a standout from Wake Forest and last year’s No. 2 overall draft pick, has impressed at every stop during his rapid ascent through the Reds’ farm system. Across 13 starts at three minor league levels, including Triple-A Louisville, Burns has compiled a 7-3 record with an eye-catching 1.77 ERA.
“It’s hard to find a reason not to bring him up,” said Reds manager Terry Francona on Sunday. “We’ve thrown a lot his way, and he’s managed everything really well.”
The Reds are dealing with injuries in their rotation—Hunter Greene and Wade Miley both landed on the injured list earlier in June—making Burns’ debut a timely move. Nick Lodolo is slated to open the series on Monday, with the 6-foot-3 Burns expected to take the mound for his MLB debut on Tuesday.
“It’s still a baseball game, but it’s a big stage,” Francona said. “There’ll be a lot of firsts for him, but he’s earned this, and there’s definitely a buzz about it. The front office is doing what it can to help us win, and we appreciate that.”
Cincinnati also made several roster adjustments ahead of Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, calling up right-hander Yosver Zulueta and reinstating third baseman Jeimer Candelario from a three-week rehab stint due to a lumbar spine strain. Chase Petty was sent down to Triple-A Louisville, and Garrett Hampson was designated for assignment.
As for the Cardinals, they recalled right-hander Gordon Graceffo from Triple-A Memphis, while Andre Granillo was optioned back to the same club.
