The Cincinnati Reds are finally getting a breather at the right time, with MLB All-Star Week giving a battered first half a chance to pause. After a rough opening stretch, the club can step back and sort through what needs to change before the season resumes.
Even in a year that hasn’t offered much to celebrate, the Reds still landed a couple of bright spots. Rookies Sal Stewart and Chase Burns were both named to the National League All-Star Team, a major nod for a team that has struggled to find its footing. Burns, though, won’t actually take the mound in the All-Star Game because of a groin issue.
That didn’t stop him from talking about the season he’s put together. On Monday, Burns joined MLB Central on MLB Network and discussed his first big league campaign, which has been one of the few clear positives for Cincinnati.
He also touched on the idea of expanding his pitch mix, and he sounded comfortable with where that conversation is headed.
"I've always been a four-pitch guy," Burns said. "When you move up so quickly through the minor leagues you want to use your strengths.
Fastball and slider has always been my biggest strength. Always looking for that third pitch."
For now, the Reds have every reason to keep leaning on what’s already working. Burns has been dominant in his first season, making 18 starts and going 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA and a WAR of 4.2.
The injury keeps him out of his first All-Star Game, which is a tough break. But Burns did the right thing by speaking up about the groin problem and asking to be removed from the event.
That kind of move says plenty about him. He’s not just another rookie getting by on talent. Burns and Stewart look like real building blocks for Cincinnati, and if Burns keeps pitching like this, there’s a strong chance this All-Star selection won’t be his last.
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