Reds pitcher Chase Burns, known for his high-heat pitches, faces an elbow issue and is placed on the Injured List.
Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns is currently on the 15-day injured list due to a right flexor tendon strain sustained in mid-August. As of August 23, 2025, Burns is progressing by playing long toss, but plans for a rehab assignment remain on hold [1][2][3].
The injury has cast uncertainty over Burns' immediate role, with discussions about potentially limiting his innings to preserve his health for the future season. His historic strong strikeout ability (recording 10 or more Ks in four of his first eight MLB starts) makes him a valuable asset, and the Reds aim to keep him pitching at a level that supports their playoff push without risking further injury [3][4][5].
Burns' fastball averages 98.4 mph, and in his last outing, he recorded a quality start, giving up one run on three hits and a walk over six innings. In 34 innings, Burns has a 5.24 ERA (88 ERA+) and a 4.38 strikeout-to-walk ratio [6].
The Reds are closely monitoring Burns' recovery while balancing their push for a playoff spot. Currently, they are 1.5 games behind the Mets for the third National League Wild Card berth [1][2][3]. The average recovery time for a pitcher with a flexor strain is nearly 70 days, with a median closer to 50 days (Baseball Prospectus' recovery database) [7].
Meanwhile, the Reds have received a boost with the return of Hunter Greene, their staff ace, who has returned to the rotation after an absence of over two months due to a strained right groin. In addition, the Reds recalled lefty Joe La Sorsa from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move [8].
The series between the Reds and the Brewers this weekend could be significant in the race for the wild card spot. The Brewers have won 12 games in a row and have a record of 26-4 in their last 30 games, while the Reds have the third-best record in the NL over the past month, winning 18 of their last 30 games [9][10]. The Brewers' strong form and the Reds' current position in the wild card race make their upcoming series an exciting one.
The return of Greene, combined with the Reds' recent form, could provide a significant boost to their playoff hopes. The Reds and Brewers are set to face off this weekend, and the outcome of the series could have a significant impact on the race for the wild card spot. Fans will be eagerly awaiting Burns' return and the impact he can make when he is fully recovered.
References:
[1] https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/cincinnati-reds-place-chase-burns-on-il-with-right-elbow-strain/c-342857332 [2] https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cincinnati-reds-place-rookie-pitcher-chase-burns-on-il-with-right-elbow-flexor-strain/ [3] https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/cincinnati-reds-chase-burns-il-right-elbow-injury-timeline-return-date/11417384 [4] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/342857332/cincinnati-reds-place-rookie-pitcher-chase-burns-il-right-elbow-strain [5] https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/48331/the-recovery-database-flexor-strains/ [6] https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burnch01.shtml [7] https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/48331/the-recovery-database-flexor-strains/ [8] https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/cincinnati-reds-recall-joe-la-sorsa-from-triple-a-louisville-in-corresponding-move/c-342857332 [9] https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/cincinnati-reds-win-18-of-30-games-over-past-month-third-best-record-in-nl/c-342857332 [10] https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/milwaukee-brewers-win-12-games-in-a-row-have-26-4-record-over-last-30-games/c-342857332
- Despite the injury, the Reds recognize Burns' value and are careful to maintain his health for the upcoming season, given his historic strikeout ability in MLB games.
- With Burns' current recovery timeline uncertain, the Reds have received a boost from their staff ace, Hunter Greene, who returned after a two-month absence due to a groin strain.
- The Reds have high hopes for the upcoming series against the Brewers, as any positive outcome could strengthen their position in the race for the National League Wild Card spot.
- Baseball Prospectus' recovery database suggests an average recovery time of almost 70 days for a pitcher with a flexor strain, with a median closer to 50 days, giving insights into Burns' potential return date.
- As the Reds and Brewers prepare for their weekend series, fans eagerly look forward to Burns' return and the impact he might have once he has fully recovered and re-joins the MLB field.
