Zack Littell Could Open Up an Opportunity for the Cincinnati Reds and Chase Burns

Littell provides flexibility that the Reds did not have Wednesday morning

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) returns to the dugout after striking out the side in his MLB debut in the first inning of the MLB interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds added to their pitching depth on Wednesday night with a savvy trade for a starting pitcher. There is an intriguing possibility this could open up with Chase Burns.

The Reds got right-handed pitcher Zack Littell from the Tampa Bay Rays late Wednesday night. In fact, Littell had just pitched against the New York Yankees, earlier that day. Nick Krall has said that the immediate move will be to put Nick Martinez in the bullpen and Littell in the rotation, but I think this is an avenue for getting some postseason innings for Burns.

Burns is nearing what should be an innings limit on his inaugural professional season. What that number is, we are not privy to, but I would assume 120-130 innings. The Reds could slow the rate of acceleration toward that mark by moving Burns to the bullpen for the remainder of this season.

With Littell and Martinez, you have two pitchers capable of starting or entering the game from the bullpen. Burns would be a FORCE out of the bullpen, though, with his pitch arsenal. As it stands, he will not be a part of the postseason roster, if he keeps pitching like he is.

Burns would be a great weapon for Terry Francona out of the bullpen. When Burns faces an opposing lineup for the first time, he has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4-to-1. He is talented enough and smart enough to pitch the rest of the year in the bullpen and then ramp back up to starter’s condition in the offseason.

A postseason pitching staff with Burns is much better than a postseason pitching staff without Burns. This would be the way of getting him there because if he continues to start, every fifth day, he will reach 120-130 innings in about seven starts.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

Cincinnati Reds Reportedly Targeting Intriguing Group of Players Ahead of Trade Deadline

Cincinnati Reds Considering Interesting Solution for Roster Upgrade at Trade Deadline

Cincinnati Reds Predicted to Make Major Splash at Trade Deadline

Cincinnati Reds Ace Struggles in Rehab Start With Triple-A Louisville

Reds May Pivot From Eugenio Suarez, Target Veteran Infielders at Trade Deadline

Cincinnati Reds Scouting American League East Team Ahead of Trade Deadline

Cincinnati Reds Trade Target Gets Positive Update After Leaving Game With Injury

Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Joins Elite Company Through First Six Starts of Career

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram