Why Chase Burns Was Scratched Ahead of Tonight's Start

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Why Chase Burns Was Scratched Ahead of Tonight's Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Kelson | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 3:52 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds will be without their budding ace for tonight's game against the Kansas City Royals.

The Reds announced that Chase Burns was scratched ahead of Monday's matchup due to an illness. Lyon Richardson will start in Burns' place as part of a bullpen game. Cincinnati also called up starter Brandon Leibrandt, who will likely handle the bulk of the innings.

The loss of Burns comes on the same day the Reds placed Elly De La Cruz on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. Fortunately for Cincinnati, Burns is dealing with an illness and should not miss significant time.

The 23-year-old is in the midst of a breakout campaign in his second major league season. The former second overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft has emerged as a legitimate Cy Young contender.

Burns is 7-1 through 11 starts with a 1.96 ERA across 64.1 innings. He has struck out 72 batters while posting a 0.96 WHIP.

Cincinnati has not revealed whether Burns will make his next start or be pushed back several days.

#Reds RHP Chase Burns has been scratched from his start tonight due to illness. RHP Lyon Richardson will be tonight's SP.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 1, 2026

After making his debut midway through last season, Burns immediately showed why he was considered one of baseball's top pitching prospects. While his 4.57 ERA and 0-3 record were underwhelming, he struck out 67 batters in just 43.1 innings.

This season, Burns has adjusted to major league hitters and dominated with just two pitches. He throws his 100 mph fastball 57% of the time and his slider 36%.

Very few starting pitchers can succeed with essentially a two-pitch arsenal. Burns has done exactly that while establishing himself as one of the game's premier young arms.

The Reds are also without another young starter in Rhett Lowder, who landed on the injured list earlier this season with right shoulder inflammation. Cincinnati is also missing ace Hunter Greene, who has yet to make his season debut and is not expected back for at least another month.

If Burns' illness proves more serious than expected, it would be another major blow to the Reds' rotation.

Cincinnati has struggled to gain momentum this season and separate itself from a competitive National League Central race.

The Reds enter play at 30-28 and sit at the bottom of the division, six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.

The season is about to ramp up as the calendar flips to June. The Reds will look to gain ground while Burns recovers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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