Reds rookie Chase Burns makes history with 10 K's on July 29, but Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers prevail 5-2. Read how Burns joined an elite MLB list despite the loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a familiar story of frustration at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night, as the Reds fell to the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2. But while the final score was a disappointment, the real headline was written on the mound by rookie phenom Chase Burns, who fanned 10 Dodgers and etched his name into the MLB record books, offering a brilliant glimpse of the future even in defeat.
Chase Burns became just the 14th pitcher since 1901 to record at least 45 strikeouts in his first six career MLB starts.
Despite taking the loss, rookie Chase Burns was the main event. The hard-throwing righty was electric, striking out 10 Dodgers over 5 2/3 innings. While he allowed three runs, his pure stuff was undeniable. With that performance, Burns joined an elite list of pitchers, including modern flamethrowers like Paul Skenes and Stephen Strasburg, as one of only 14 pitchers since 1901 to rack up 45+ strikeouts in his first six career starts. His 6.26 ERA is a work in progress, but the strikeout ability is a clear sign of a future ace, giving fans a major reason for excitement.
Unfortunately, Burns's stellar effort wasn't enough to overcome the Dodgers' lineup and the Reds' own offensive silence. Shohei Ohtani did his part for Los Angeles, driving in two crucial runs. The Reds' bats, meanwhile, couldn't string together the big hits when needed, leaving runners stranded in key late-inning situations. Elly De La Cruz provided a spark by stealing his 29th base of the season, but the team ultimately couldn't generate enough pressure, falling to 56-51 on the season.
The day also brought significant news off the field. To provide an offensive spark and outfield depth, the Reds called up power-hitting prospect Rece Hinds from Triple-A Louisville. Hinds will take the roster spot of the injured TJ Friedl. On the pitching front, Manager Terry Francona provided a cautious but hopeful update on top prospect Rhett Lowder. Recovering from forearm and oblique strains, Lowder has been cleared to begin a throwing program. However, Francona made it clear the team is prioritizing his long-term health, stating he is unlikely to return in 2025 and is instead being targeted for the Arizona Fall League, setting him up for a healthy 2026.
The loss drops the Reds to 56-51, making every game from here on out crucial in the tight playoff race. While Tuesday stung, the day wasn't a total loss. The electricity from Chase Burns, the potential power of Rece Hinds, and the promise of a healthy Rhett Lowder in 2026 provide a compelling vision for the future. Now, the Reds must find a way to translate that future promise into present wins, starting with the next game against the Dodgers.
