The Cincinnati Reds received some encouraging news on Sunday. Manager Terry Francona told reporters in Arizona before the game against the Diamondbacks that Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder are both scheduled for bullpen sessions on Tuesday.
According to Charlie Goldsmith of Fox19, Lowder—who has yet to pitch in the majors this season due to a winter elbow injury and a subsequent oblique issue while rehabbing in the minors—could potentially make his return in 2025.
For Chase Burns, who last pitched 16 days ago in Pittsburgh with a 10-strikeout performance, the situation is simpler.
He hasn’t missed much time, and expectations have been for him to return this season relatively soon.
The main question is his role, as his innings have accumulated; the Reds are considering limiting his workload, possibly moving him to a relief role later in the season to keep him on the mound while managing his total innings.
Although missing a few weeks isn’t ideal, it has slightly reduced his season workload.
Chase Burns
If Burns returns this year, it could allow the Reds an extra start or two, or they could immediately place him in the bullpen to bolster that area.
Lowder’s return is more complicated. With 2025 in mind, the team must decide whether to try to prepare him as a starter—even if he may not be ready for big-league starts before season’s end—or to focus on readying him for a relief role in September and potentially the playoffs, providing occasional innings if he becomes available in time.
