Key Highlights
- Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns scratched from start due to illness.
- Reds will start relief pitcher Lyon Richardson instead.
- Reds are dealing with multiple injuries including Hunter Greene and Ke’Bryan Hayes.
- Elly De La Cruz and other players also on injured list.
The Reds’ Illness Woes
You might think this is new, but… Not always. Burns has been one of the best pitchers in the league with an incredible 1.96 ERA and a 7-1 record.
Yet here we are.
On May 14, 2026, just a few hours before Monday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, the Reds announced Burns was scratched due to illness. The team had to scramble with Lyon Richardson stepping in as the starter.
Injuries Piling Up
It’s not just Burns. The Reds are battling plenty of other injuries. May 31 saw shortstop Elly De La Cruz land on the 10-day injured list, joining prospects like Edwin Arroyo and Ke’Bryan Hayes.
The pitching staff is in an even worse spot.
Hunter Greene, who underwent elbow surgery, hasn’t pitched for the Reds this year but should be back soon. Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson are also on the injured list.
Reds’ Bullpen Struggles
In May, the Reds suffered three more injuries to their bullpen. Closer Emilio Pagn landed with a serious hamstring injury in early May. Graham Ashcraft and Pierce Johnson were placed on the injured list recently as well.
The Reds can’t catch a break right now. The injuries are piling up, making it even harder for them to compete at their best level.
Conclusion
The Reds face an uphill battle with these latest setbacks. It’s just another chapter in what has been a challenging season. You wonder if they can dig themselves out of this hole and find some stability soon.
