Reds Pitching Depth Shines in Sweep of Rangers

Cincinnati's bullpen steps up with key contributors unavailable.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:38am

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The Cincinnati Reds showed off their pitching depth on Sunday, sweeping the Texas Rangers despite missing several key relievers. Starter Chase Burns delivered a strong outing, and the bullpen combined to shut down the Rangers' offense, with Brock Burke earning his first career save against his former team.

Why it matters

The Reds' ability to win without their top relievers available demonstrates the team's pitching depth, which will be crucial for maintaining success throughout the long MLB season.

The details

With Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagan unavailable, the Reds turned to a combination of young and veteran arms to secure the victory. Chase Burns, a former first-round draft pick, tossed six strong innings, striking out nine batters. The bullpen then stepped up, with Pierce Johnson, Sam Moll, Connor Phillips, and Brock Burke all contributing scoreless outings to preserve the win.

  • On Sunday, April 6, 2026, the Reds completed a sweep of the Rangers.

The players

Chase Burns

A former first-round draft pick who delivered a strong start for the Reds, striking out nine batters over six innings.

Brock Burke

The Reds' closer for the day, earning his first career save against his former team, the Texas Rangers.

Terry Francona

The Reds' manager, who praised the team's pitching staff for stepping up in the absence of key relievers.

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What they’re saying

“A lot. Year two being on a big league field more and learning from the other guys. I am just going out there and trusting my stuff, really. Everything felt on time and I threw some really good pitches. Felt great.”

— Chase Burns, Reds Pitcher

“It's like building confidence, Tito having trust in me to go out there to set the tone for that seventh inning. It didn't work out, but I'm glad we came out on top.”

— Chase Burns, Reds Pitcher

“It feels pretty special, especially doing it against a team that I was with not too long ago. It was awesome.”

— Brock Burke, Reds Pitcher

“It really helps the ball club when we win and everybody contributes. I mean, I agree it's nice when Santillan, Ashcraft, and Pagan are available, but those other guys, they stepped up and it'll help us down the road.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

What’s next

The Reds will look to continue their strong start to the season as they face the St. Louis Cardinals in a divisional matchup next weekend.

The takeaway

The Reds' ability to win without their top relievers available showcases the team's impressive pitching depth, which will be crucial for maintaining success throughout the long MLB season.