Former Tennessee pitcher Chase Burns' first MLB start for Cincinnati Reds may give Volunteers fans mixed feelings

Burns did allow a home run and an unlucky two-run triple that led to the three runs in five innings that he gave up. That bering said, his overpowering stuff and competitive nature were incredibly impressive in his first appearance in the bigs.

Chase Burns' fastball velocity in his first inning as a big leaguer: 98, 100, 99, 100, 100, 100, 99, 99, 99. Chase Burns' slider velocity in that same inning: 93, 90, 91, 92, 91. He struck out Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Aaron Judge, all swinging. A future ace for the Reds.

-- Jeff Passan

Plenty of Vols fans were upset to see Burns leave when he did via the transfer portal, but there will also be some wearing orange that will be glad to see him having this sort of success on the mound. His talent was never in question no matter where he played in college. 

Fast track to the MLB after college dominance

Burns is yet another example of fast movement from the minors to the majors this year. He became the sixth player taken in the 2024 MLB Draft to get a chance in the big leagues. 

This decision-making from teams didn't used to be the norm, but I would expect it to continue. Players in college baseball are only getting more physically gifted, and their time spent in the minors is sometimes only delaying them making an impact for the major league club. 

Burns is yet another example of a young prospect decimating his opponents in the minor leagues and getting a quick call up. We will see if he can get another start for Cincy here soon.