Chase Burns, the Cincinnati Reds' high-performing, high-velocity rookie pitcher, went on the injured list Aug. 15 because of a Grade 1 flexor strain.
ANAHEIM, California – Cincinnati Reds touted rookie Chase Burns doesn’t know exactly when he’ll be back on the mound for the Reds after landing on the injured list with a flexor strain Aug. 15.
But the right-hander started playing catch two days later, without pain, and he knows this much, he says: “It doesn’t scare me. I don’t think it scares them (team).”
And this: He’ll be back this season.
“Should be pretty soon,” said last year’s No. 2 overall draft pick with a 100-mph fastball, exceptional slider and four 10-strikeout games in his last five starts.
The Reds are playing it cautiously with their prize prospect, who expects to play catch again Aug. 19. “And then at some point, he’ll go back-to-back days, hopefully not too far down the road,” manager Terry Francona said.
“He’s doing pretty well.”
Burns said he felt “just normal soreness” after his rain-shortened start in the Speedway Classic and then after his six-inning start in Pittsburgh his next turn. Because it seemed to persist, “We wanted to go take a look at it.”
An MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain near the elbow.
“Honestly, I think it’s probably something less than that,” he said. “That’s just what they’re calling it right now. I feel great.”
Burns, who has a 3.72 ERA in his last six starts following a rough one in Boston when he was tipping pitches, said he had little reaction to the news that a strain was diagnosed.
“I take pride in taking care of my body,” said the former Wake Forest ace. “You throw a lot during the season at high velocity, something’s going to happen.”
Burns has thrown 100 1/3 innings during this first professional season, including 34 1/3 in the big leagues — right at last year’s lifetime high workload before that of 100 innings.
“I did it in college. But you’re throwing it in less of a timeframe and more intensity (in pro ball),” said Burns, who suggested this “minor setback” might be simply part of the development process for a young pitcher. “Hundred percent. My body has to get used to throwing every five days at higher intensity.
“This was just taking a bit of precaution,” he added. “I’ll be back pretty soon.”
His first eligible date to return from the IL would be Aug. 27 at Dodger Stadium. But the Reds won’t rush him regardless. Big-league rosters expand by one hitter and one pitcher Sept. 1.
Whether Burns is in the bullpen or back in the rotation when he returns might be the only thing he doesn’t feel as certain about.
The timeline for a move to the pen already was being discussed before he went on the IL as the Reds try to keep him active through the end of the season while closely monitoring his workload. Before the injury, the team had mapped out an innings limit for the season of roughly 135.
He’s got a few more throwing sessions before that becomes a relevant conversation.
“I’m open to anything,” Burns said. “I can adjust. I’ve done both. Whatever they tell me to do, I’ll do it.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds’ Chase Burns expects to return 'pretty soon' from IL
Category: Baseball
