Greene’s Aug. 8 rehab outing for Louisville provided a clear data point as Cincinnati weighs his next move. He worked 5 1/3 innings, throwing 79 pitches, allowing five runs on two hits with three walks and seven punch-outs. Two homers—one by Jace Jung and another by Justyn-Henry Malloy—kept the box score honest, and Greene used an automated strike-zone to challenge his first pitch. The Reds are tracking his workload toward a possible big-league return, with 85 pitches as a target and the NL Wild Card race lurking in the background.

Cincinnati is juggling Greene’s timeline with Nick Lodolo on the injured list and Nick Martinez transitioning to a swingman role. Zack Littell’s addition gives the bullpen a touch more depth, while rookie Chase Burns could surface in relief as the calendar turns. If Greene and Lodolo are back, Cincinnati could lean on a strengthened rotation and a deeper bullpen down the stretch, reshaping fantasy playoff outlooks.

Chase Burns is proving to be a valuable asset for the Cincinnati Reds, showcasing an impressive start to his MLB career. After five games, he has already recorded two double-digit strikeout performances, a feat unmatched in Reds history. His last outing against the Washington Nationals saw him strike out ten batters but ultimately suffer a loss due to late-game struggles. Manager Terry Francona's trust in Burns to navigate tough situations demonstrates the confidence the team has in his abilities.

Burns transitioned from college to MLB in just under a year, underscoring the steep learning curve he faced. Adjustments to his game, particularly after initial struggles against the Red Sox, have shown his adaptability. As the Reds navigate a tight wild-card race, Burns's development will be crucial to the team's success, especially with fellow starters like Hunter Greene sidelined. With a keen sense of responsibility and eagerness to improve, Burns is determined to solidify his role as a key player in the Reds' rotation.

In the latest fantasy baseball injury update, the list of stashable players is notably shorter as several long-term injured players have finally returned to the field. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros is making progress with his fractured hand, expected back soon, while Austin Riley's return for the Atlanta Braves has been delayed to Friday. Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds is set to begin a rehab assignment this week after a groin strain, and Chris Sale of the Boston Red Sox has started playing catch following a ribcage fracture. With the season progressing, the impact of player returns becomes pivotal for fantasy managers.

Among the notable mentions are Cole Ragans and Blake Snell, both working through shoulder issues, with their timelines still uncertain. Adley Rutschman is also on the mend from an oblique strain. Fantasy players need to keep a keen eye on these developments as the calendar moves forward, impacting not just team performances but also individual fantasy landscapes.

As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for the 2025 MLB Draft set for July 13, the team is adopting a 'best player available' strategy. Director of Scouting, Joe Katuska, reflects on the notable depth of the 2023 draft, which featured top talents like Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, emphasizing that this year's class presents more uncertainty. The Reds, holding the 9th overall pick, aim to leverage their scouting continuity and history of successful picks—including Hunter Greene and Jonathan India—to navigate the challenges of this draft.

While they have leaned towards college players in recent drafts for quicker MLB impacts, Katuska notes the potential for high school selections this year. Importantly, the Reds will prioritize their internal evaluations over public rankings, emphasizing their unique perspective on identifying talent that aligns with their development needs.

The Cincinnati Reds made a significant move in the 2024 MLB Draft by selecting Chase Burns, a flame-throwing starter from Wake Forest University, with the second overall pick. Burns, known for his fastball that has reached 102 mph, is set to face the New York Yankees, where he is anticipated to make a strong impression. Reds fans have drawn parallels between Burns and Hunter Greene, the Reds' ace, also a second overall pick. Burns boasts a four-pitch mix, with a standout slider complementing his fastball. His control has seen marked improvement, evidenced by a drop in his walk rate from college to the minors.

In his collegiate career, Burns exhibited some control issues, resulting in a high walk rate. However, after transferring from Tennessee to Wake Forest, he refined his mechanics, leading to a successful season. In 16 starts with the Demon Deacons, he recorded 30 walks. Upon joining the Reds' minor league system, he managed only 13 walks in 13 starts, showcasing his growth. Notably, Burns improved his WHIP from 0.92 in college to 0.77 in the minors, emphasizing his potential as a future star for the Reds.