Elly De La Cruz on why he exited Reds-Braves series finale
Elly De La Cruz departed the Reds-Braves series finale after a fifth-inning single where he pulled out of a sprint for a possible extra-base hit.
The Cincinnati Reds announced scheduled starting pitcher Chase Burns was scratched from his series-opening start June 1 against the Kansas City Royals at Great American Ball Park because of illness.
The team announced Lyon Richardson is expected to replace Burns as the Reds’ starter, opposing Kansas City’s Luinder Avila.
Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters he’s hopeful Burns can start the team’s series finale June 3 against the Royals.
Burns is 7-1 with a 1.96 ERA in 11 starts this season for the Reds, with 72 strikeouts over 64 1/3 innings. He has been the star of Cincinnati’s starting rotation this season, and is among National League Cy Young Award candidates.
Burns was struck in the backside of his upper thigh by a comebacker from the Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper during a May 19 start.
Richardson was selected May 30 from Triple-A Louisville. Richardson has posted a 4.75 ERA in 18 appearances this season, making one start.
Richardson has appeared in one game this season for the Reds, and 40 over four seasons with Cincinnati.
In 34 relief appearances for the Reds in 2025, Richardson posted a 4.54 ERA, and allowed just two home runs over 37 2/3 innings.
