The Cincinnati Reds have placed rookie pitcher Chase Burns on the injured list with a grade 1 right flexor strain, a setback for the team as they battle for a postseason berth in the 2025 MLB season. To fill the roster spot, the Reds have recalled left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa from Triple-A Louisville.
Burns, a promising young arm, holds a 0-3 record with a 5.24 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP across 34.1 innings pitched, amassing an impressive 57 strikeouts. His most recent outing was a standout performance, where he recorded 10 Ks, allowing just one earned run and three hits over six innings. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Reds, who are just half a game back of the final National League wildcard spot, making every roster move pivotal in their playoff push.
The flexor strain, while listed as grade 1, raises concerns about Burns’ availability down the stretch, as even mild strains can sideline pitchers for weeks. For a Cincinnati Reds team fighting tooth and nail for a postseason spot, losing a pitcher with Burns’ strikeout potential is far from ideal. The Reds’ pitching staff will need to step up to maintain their edge in the tight 2025 NL wildcard race. If you recall, the Reds are already without Nick Lodolo.
Enter Joe La Sorsa, who brings a spark of optimism to the Reds’ bullpen. The left-hander has been dominant in Triple-A, posting a stellar 0.96 ERA over his last 18 appearances with the Louisville Bats. La Sorsa’s ability to limit runs and provide reliable relief could be a game-changer for a Reds bullpen tasked with holding leads in high-stakes games. His recall offers a chance to prove himself at the major league level and help stabilize Cincinnati’s pitching staff during this crucial stretch.
With the Reds clinging to postseason hopes in the 2025 MLB playoff race, every game counts. Burns’ injury is a hurdle, but La Sorsa’s hot hand and the team’s resilience could keep their playoff dreams alive. Fans will be watching closely as Cincinnati aims to secure a wildcard spot over the final weeks of the season.
