Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns Sidelined by Arm Issue

Injury raises questions about Cincinnati's rotation plans for the upcoming season

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:31pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted colors, conveying the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the Reds' pitching prospects.The Reds' rotation plans face uncertainty as top prospect Chase Burns battles an arm injury, opening the door for other young pitchers to compete for a starting role.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds' top pitching prospect Chase Burns has been dealing with a range of motion issue in his throwing arm during spring training, causing concern about his readiness for the regular season. The team is taking a proactive approach to manage the injury, but the setback has opened the door for other young pitchers like Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson to compete for the fifth starter role.

Why it matters

Burns was initially favored for the fifth starter job, but his injury has created uncertainty around the Reds' rotation plans, especially with ace Hunter Greene out due to elbow surgery. The team's handling of these young pitching prospects will be crucial to their success this season and beyond.

The details

Burns, who made an impressive debut last season, has been limited to just 24 pitches in a recent outing due to the range of motion issue. Manager Terry Francona says the team is taking a proactive approach to manage the injury and develop a routine to keep Burns healthy between starts. Meanwhile, Lowder and Williamson have been performing well in spring training, with Lowder showcasing an impressive strikeout rate and Williamson's cutter proving effective.

  • Burns made his MLB debut in June 2025, striking out 8 Yankees.
  • Burns dealt with a flexor strain last year, limiting him to relief appearances.
  • The Reds' spring training camp is currently underway in 2026.

The players

Chase Burns

A top pitching prospect for the Cincinnati Reds who is dealing with a range of motion issue in his throwing arm.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who is overseeing the team's handling of Burns' injury.

Hunter Greene

The Reds' ace pitcher who is currently out due to elbow surgery.

Rhett Lowder

A Reds pitching prospect who has been performing well in spring training and is competing for the fifth starter role.

Brandon Williamson

A Reds pitching prospect who has dealt with multiple arm injuries but has shown promise with his pitch mix, particularly his cutter.

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What they’re saying

“We must nip this in the bud and get Chase back on track.”

— Terry Francona, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The Reds' medical staff is developing a routine to manage Burns' range of motion issue between starts, and the team will continue to monitor his progress. The decision on the fifth starter role will be a key factor in the team's rotation plans for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Reds' handling of their young pitching prospects, particularly Burns, Lowder, and Williamson, will be crucial to the team's success this season and beyond. The team must balance managing injuries and developing talent, as the competition for the fifth starter role heats up.