'I'm Excited for It' - Cincinnati Reds Rookie Embracing New Role in Stretch Run

Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns was activated from the injured list on Thursday and his role will be a new one, pitching out of the bullpen.

"I am excited for it," Burns told Power Stacks Podcast. "They have done a great job communicating with me. Basically, it's labeled as scheduled innings out of the pen. I am pumped."

Burns has thrown two live bullpen sessions and he has had the itch to get back on the mound, but understands the Reds have his best interest in mind.

"It just says a lot about their process and how much I mean to this organization," Burns continued. "For me, it was tough at times. I wanted to be out there and help the guys. It's finally here and I am ready for it."

Burns will know which days he's pitching and it'll be more scripted than normal.

The right-hander has a 5.24 ERA in eight starts with 57 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings this season with Cincinnati.

The Reds start a three-game series with the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. Brady Singer will start on the mound for Cincinnati.