Reds Make an Intriguing Decision Regarding Chase Burns

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Reds Make an Intriguing Decision Regarding Chase Burns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew Jamieson | Last updated Sep 7, 2026 11:26 AM ET

Chase Burns has emerged as a budding ace for the Cincinnati Reds in 2026. However, his stellar campaign will be limited for the rest of the season.

Beginning Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers , the 23-year-old will be on an innings limit, and Brandon Williamson will then piggyback him. An exact innings or pitch-count limit has not been revealed.

Reds starter Chase Burns will begin an innings limit starting next Monday.

Brandon Williamson is slotted to come in after Burns and takeover from there.
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) August 31, 2026

Burns last pitched eight days ago against the Chicago Cubs. He secured his 15th win, but it didn’t come easy, as Burns gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk while recording seven strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

While still a respectable outing, it was another exhausting start in August, which was Burns’ worst month of the season statistically. Over six starts, the right-hander went 3-2 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 32.2 innings.

On the season, though, Burns’ numbers remain elite. Through 26 starts, he is 15-3 with a 2.79 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 145.1 innings. Burns has also recorded 171 strikeouts against 50 walks while holding opposing hitters to a .219 batting average.

Meanwhile, Williamson was just recently activated from the 60-day injured list after dealing with left shoulder fatigue. He made his first appearance since Apr. 29 on Wednesday and earned the win against the San Diego Padres, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while recording five strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

In 2026, Williamson is 3-3 with a 5.94 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over seven starts. He has also recorded 24 strikeouts compared to 22 walks.

Williamson’s injury was just one of several that have impacted Cincinnati’s starting rotation this season. Nick Lodolo has been limited to 17 starts because of a recurring blister on his left index finger. More discouragingly, Hunter Greene underwent Tommy John surgery last month and will likely be sidelined for all of 2027.

With one ace already sidelined long-term, the Reds are acting carefully with their other flamethrower. Burns’ 145.1 innings this season are 100-plus more than his total from 2025 (43.1).

“Hundo at the bottom.” ‍

Chase Burns is bringing the precision heat! pic.twitter.com/B9XiGFEiTH
— MLB (@MLB) August 14, 2026

Furthermore, Cincinnati signed the first-time All-Star to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension in July. The last thing that needs to happen is for their rising star to suffer an injury that casts doubt on his long-term future.

Entering Monday’s series opener in Los Angeles, the Reds (69-74) sit 6.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League Wild Card spot.

Cincinnati will look to win its fourth consecutive series beginning Monday at 9:10 p.m. ET, with Burns scheduled to start before Williamson piggybacks behind him.