The Reds are putting ace Chase Burns on an innings limit for the final month of the regular season, a move that comes right after his gutsy 100-pitch effort at Wrigley Field on Sunday, August 30. This isn’t just a casual adjustment, it’s a critical decision impacting a pitcher who’s been a true workhorse.
The Ace Gets a Leash: What’s Up With Burns?
Man, this is a head-scratcher. Burns, the team’s first 15-game winner since Luis Castillo lit up the mound in 2019, is clearly crucial. He’s already tossed 145 ⅓ innings this season, a significant jump from the 109 ⅓ innings he combined for across minor league stints and 13 big league games last year. To pull back a guy who’s been so dominant this late in the “end-of-the-season gauntlet” Francona mentioned? It shows they are really thinking long-term here, but it definitely adds a layer of uncertainty for fans.
Reds manager Terry Francona isn’t spilling all the beans either, saying the exact pitch or innings count for Burns’ abbreviated outings “is to be determined.” He said they’re “trying to win,” but also don’t “just tell the other team what you’re gonna do.” Francona added, “Just try to use good judgement. We’ll tell him to pitch the exact same way he pitches, and we’ll take him out.” That’s classic Francona, keeping everyone guessing, but it leaves you wondering how much leash Burns will actually have. He’s set to pitch next on Monday, September 7, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Talk about a tough opponent for an innings-limited start!
The Wildcard Returns: Williamson’s Shoulder is Ready?
Adding even more intrigue to the pitching staff is the return of Brandon Williamson. The lefty hasn’t seen action since April 29 due to shoulder fatigue. That’s a long layoff, and his numbers before the injury weren’t exactly sparkling: a 2-3 record with a 6.11 ERA over six starts. So, bringing him back now, late in the season, is definitely a gamble.
Williamson is slated to start the series finale against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, September 2. But here’s the kicker: after that, he’s going to follow Burns in each of the All-Star’s starts moving forward. Francona put it simply: “He will slot in behind (Burns) at some point.” That’s a pretty unconventional role for a starter coming off injury, especially with that ERA. It screams desperation to piece together innings, and it’s a huge test for Williamson’s shoulder and his command.
So, the Reds are rolling into the final stretch with a limited ace and a rehabbing pitcher in a wild new role. Williamson’s return against the Padres on Wednesday sets the stage, and then we’ll see this new tandem in action when Burns faces the Dodgers next Monday. This late-season stretch is going to be absolutely wild for their pitching staff, and you know everyone will be watching every pitch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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