Chase Burns has emerged as the Cincinnati Reds' team MVP, showcasing consistent pitching. He recently threw six scoreless innings in a 15-1 win against the Washington Nationals, improving his ERA to 1.87.
May 15—Through the first 25% of the season, starting pitcher Chase Burns has been the team MVP of the Cincinnati Reds.
The most important factor in the Reds' success when the team has been winning and the team's struggles when it has been losing has been whether or not the Reds have been getting consistent pitching. And Burns has been the Reds' most consistent pitcher this season.
"He looks better every single time," Reds second baseman Matt McLain said. "He comes out there to attack."
On Thursday, May 14, Burns was electric again. He tossed six scoreless innings in their 15-1 victory over the Washington Nationals, allowing two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks while picking up his fourth consecutive win. He's only allowed one earned run in his last three starts.
Following the win, he had the eighth-best ERA in MLB at 1.87.
Last Saturday, Burns effectively ended the Reds' eight-game losing streak with his performance. Against the Astros, Burns pitched six innings and allowed one run.
"Like a lot of good pitchers, he kind of has the ability to be his own reliever," Reds manager Terry Francona said. "I'm not saying he doesn't have a lot of Major League starts, but I used to say that about (Justin) Verlander all the time. He had another great (outing). He showed it."
What was especially exciting about the start against the Astros was that Burns didn't even have his best stuff.
Typically, Burns thrives because of his ability to get swings and misses. His elite fastball velocity plus a slider with impressive movement leads to a lot of off-balanced swings against the hitters he faces.
In his win over the Astros, Burns showcased his ability to pitch.
"Every time I threw a slider, I felt like I didn't get it down enough," Burns said.
Catcher Jose Trevino gave Burns some advice.
"He said, 'Don't be mad because you're getting outs.' "
Burns went on to show a lot of positive emotion in his final couple of innings, fired up about the way he was pitching.
Chase Burns is considered the MVP due to his consistent pitching performance, which has been crucial for the team's success this season.
In the game against the Nationals, Burns pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out seven batters.
Chase Burns currently has an ERA of 1.87, ranking him eighth in MLB.
Chase Burns has achieved four consecutive wins in his recent starts.
Aston Villa defeated Liverpool 4-2, securing Champions League qualification while leaving Liverpool needing a win against Brentford to secure their own spot. Watkins scored twice in the second half, highlighting Villa's dominance.
Notts County secures League Two play-off final spot after 0-0 draw with Chesterfield
Cleveland Browns' 2026 NFL schedule reveals a grim outlook despite offseason changes.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
"I'm trying to go out there and put zeros on the board," Burns said. "That's the game."
Burns has really picked up the rotation during what's been a difficult two weeks.
Rhett Lowder is expected to land on the injured list with shoulder discomfort. Lowder had been banged up over his last couple of starts, and that was reflected in his inconsistent strike throwing. Lowder received an injection in his AC joint to help with the issue. Reds manager Terry Francona hasn't shared a timeline for Lowder's return.
Brandon Williamson is expected to be out for two months due to a shoulder issue. He has headed out to the Reds' spring training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, to rehab and eventually stretch back out as a starting pitcher.
It's a big boost getting Nick Lodolo back from the injured list. He suffered a blister at the end of spring training that had kept him out until last Friday. In his season debut, he allowed four runs in six innings.
The Reds signed a new fifth starter — Chris Paddack — with Lowder now going on the injured list.
With a lot of moving pieces, Burns' reliability and upside have made a really big difference. Since the Reds drafted him, he has been viewed as a potential long-term No. 1 starter. He's showing that upside with the way that he has been pitching.
"This kid is electric," veteran reliever Pierce Johnson said. "He's a frontline starter. He's going to be pitching for a long time. It's fun watching the stuff that he has. His tenacity. The aggression. It's truly a pleasure being able to share the field with him."