Chase Burns, 22, is Cincinnati’s top pitching prospect who spent 2025 accelerating from Wake Forest to the Reds’ rotation before landing on the 15-day IL with a right flexor strain. His workload era has Reds decision-makers weighing whether to push him back into the rotation or cap innings with bullpen help to protect his long-term viability.

Burns was slated to pitch the series finale; with a rookie in reserve, Cincinnati holds a valuable development asset who could factor into the rotation depth depending on health and workload. His status remains in flux as the club assesses how to deploy him down the stretch.

Burns is a breakout Reds rookie whose elbow flexor strain sidelines him, testing Cincinnati's depth behind a young rotation. His ESPN profile places him with Cincinnati, highlighting a fastball that sits near 98 mph. The injury casts a spotlight on La Sorsa and Miley as immediate depth pieces, while Greene’s return adds stability to the rotation during a tight wild-card chase.

Burns is positioned as a sleeper SP with weekend upside, highlighted by a spot on the top 100 list for Week 20. His strikeout potential and prospect pedigree give him intriguing upside in deeper formats and possible call-ups if injuries or bullpen misfits arise.

Burns advancing with an innings cap; the Reds monitor his workload as a rookie with high ceiling. His role will shape how Cincinnati distributes early starts and piggybacks, especially with Lodolo's return in play.