Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns was activated from the injured list on Thursday, marking a new chapter in his young career as he transitions from starting pitcher to a bullpen role. The move comes as the team looks to maximize his strengths while carefully managing his workload.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Burns told Power Stacks Podcast. “The team has done a great job communicating with me every step of the way. They’ve basically set this up as scheduled innings out of the pen, and I’m pumped to get started.”
After completing two live bullpen sessions, Burns said he has been itching to get back on the mound, eager to contribute to the Reds’ efforts. While it’s been difficult at times to watch from the sidelines, he understands the team’s cautious approach reflects their confidence in him and their desire to see him succeed long-term.
“It really says a lot about their process and how much they value me as a player,” Burns added. “For me personally, it was tough at times—I wanted to be out there helping the guys. But now that it’s finally here, I’m ready to embrace this new role and do everything I can to help the team win.”
Burns’ new bullpen role will be more structured than a typical starter’s schedule, with designated days for his appearances and planned innings. This approach allows him to focus on executing his pitches effectively while keeping his arm fresh.
So far this season, Burns has appeared in eight starts, posting a 5.24 ERA with 57 strikeouts over 34⅓ innings. While his numbers reflect the learning curve of a rookie season, the Reds see potential in his talent and versatility.
Cincinnati is set to begin a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Friday night, with Brady Singer slated to start for the Reds. Fans will now also get to see how Burns adapts to his new bullpen responsibilities, adding depth and energy to the team’s pitching staff as they navigate the stretch run of the season.
