Chase Burns took the mound for his second start in Triple-A on Wednesday, showcasing impressive form that aligns with his reputation as a top prospect for the Cincinnati Reds. In contrast to his debut outing with Louisville, where he surprisingly walked four batters, Burns reverted to his dominant self, allowing just one run over 7.0 innings, striking out seven while issuing no walks.
This stellar performance has improved Burns’ season ERA to an impressive 1.77. Across 66.0 innings pitched, he has restricted opponents to 38 hits, granted only 13 walks, and notched an impressive 89 strikeouts—resulting in a striking 36.7% strikeout rate against hitters at all levels he has competed this year.
Burns’ fastball was particularly noteworthy during the game, reaching a remarkable top speed of 100.5 MPH. He hit the three-digit mark on six pitches and averaged an impressive 98.7 MPH with his four-seamer. The pitch breakdown reveals his dominance: 45.5% of his pitches were four-seam fastballs, 35.2% sliders, 14.8% change-ups, and 4.5% curveballs. Notably, he generated swings and misses on three of his pitches, with his slider showing particularly effective results.
While his fastball velocity declined slightly as the game progressed, averaging 97.8 MPH in the latter innings, it remained impressive. He began the game averaging 99.3 MPH in the first two innings, reflecting his explosive start.
Cincinnati may not currently be in dire need of starting pitching, but Burns is making a compelling case to earn a spot in the rotation. His performance is not merely the result of luck; he is consistently delivering exceptional statistics that affirm his status as an elite prospect. As he continues to develop, the future looks bright for Burns and the Reds’ pitching staff.