Chase Burns

Chase Burns allowed on run on two hits in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Phillies.

The rookie struck out seven but also walked four on the day while posting just a 49 percent zone rate overall. Burns did get five whiffs on his slider, but he had just a 26 percent zone rate on the pitch, which put a lot of pressure on the four-seam fastball since he only threw six combined changeups and curves. His fastball was located well, but, as has been true in his first two starts, he doesn’t get tons of whiffs on the pitch. He had eight whiffs on 55 total fastballs in this one, with a whopping 16 foul balls. His fastball has below average extension and simply isn’t as elite of a pitch against big league hitters who can handle high velocity. Burns has plenty of talent, but he’s going to need to figure out a new approach to find consistent success against MLB hitters, and it will likely entail using his secondary pitches more. However, his raw stuff should be enough to get through a start against the Rockies next week.