Reds’ Pursuit Falters Due to Motion Range Issue
A recent spring training appearance for Chase Burns, right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, has raised concerns regarding his range of motion. During the outing on Friday, Burns threw only 24 pitches, a substantial decrease from the 68 pitches he had in his prior appearance. Manager Terry Francona clarified that this limited pitching was a precautionary measure due to issues with Burns’ throwing arm.
Chase Burns’ Health Status
Francona emphasized the team’s proactive approach, stating, “We’re nipping this in the bud right now.” While Burns managed to take the mound, the limited pitch count hints at underlying concerns that may affect his early-season performance. The Reds’ medical staff is developing a routine aimed at preventing future issues with Burns’ range of motion between starts.
Impact on Starting Rotation
With the Reds facing a vacancy in the starting rotation—ace Hunter Greene is currently undergoing elbow surgery—Burns was initially positioned to secure the fifth starter spot. His main competitors for this role include Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson. Long-shot contenders Chase Petty and Julian Aguiar have already been returned to minor league camp.
As it stands, two among Burns, Lowder, and Williamson are likely to join Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer in the rotation. Burns entered the current season as a standout prospect and delivered an impressive performance last year, racking up an 8-strikeout debut against the Yankees.
Burns’ Performance History
- Burns finished the previous regular season with a significant 35.6% strikeout rate over 43.1 innings.
- His advanced metrics, including a 2.68 xFIP and 2.76 SIERA, were notably lower than his ERA of 4.57.
- In his lone postseason appearance, he retired five consecutive batters against the Dodgers.
His performance was somewhat marred by a rough outing against the Red Sox, highlighting fluctuations in his early career. The current caution regarding his motion range is not unprecedented; he previously faced a flexor strain last August, which curtailed his workload at that time.
Competitors in the Rotation
Williamson is also on the road to recovery following his own arm issues, having missed the entire 2025 season due to UCL reconstruction. However, he had a solid showing in 2023, making 23 starts for the Reds. While his pitch velocity is not overwhelming, he effectively utilized a diversified pitch arsenal.
- Williamson’s cutter usage increased dramatically from 29.8% to 44.9% following injury.
- Opponents managed only a .179 batting average against his cutter in limited appearances in 2024.
Similarly, Rhett Lowder is closely matched with Burns in prospect status. After a rocky start marred by an arm injury, he posted a 1.17 ERA in six starts last year. Despite difficulties earlier in his major league tenure, Lowder’s strikeout rate has recently surged, making him a valuable asset for the Reds.
Conclusion
As the Reds navigate these challenges within their pitching ranks, both Burns and Lowder could provide essential swing-and-miss capabilities while Hunter Greene recuperates. The situation remains fluid, and the team’s strategies with these young pitchers will be crucial as the season progresses.
