The Big Pod Machine: Looking ahead at the All-Stars game and what’s next for the Reds
Reds Beat Reporter Gordon Wittenmyer and Sports Reporter Pat Brennan discuss the current state of the Cincinnati Reds.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said he wanted first-time MLB All-Star Chase Burns to have the opportunity to pitch in the July 14 All-Star Game, and he’ll be available for exactly that. Now, the decision will rest in the hands of Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and manager of the National League All-Star roster.
Burns ended the first half of his 2026 campaign July 8 with a win against the Philadelphia Phillies to improve to 11-1 to go along with his 2.54 ERA 1.11 WHIP and 118 strikeouts over 102 2/3 innings.
The Reds timed Burns’ July 8 start, as well as when he’ll pick up again coming out of the All-Star break on a nine-game road trip, with the idea that they’d give him the opportunity to pitch in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia, Francona said.
“That’s why we did what we did,” Francona said. “We had a lot of different scenarios and we’ll bring him out of the gate probably last. We’re trying to be fair to him but also protect him a little bit. As much as we can. And he’s earned the right to pitch, we wanted him to be able to enjoy that.”
A quick glance at the calendar would have suggested that Burns could be available in Philadelphia. Starting on the Sunday before the All-Star Game precludes those pitchers from participating for health and safety reasons, but that doesn’t apply to Burns. In fact, Burns would be pitching on full rest, although pitchers without that luxury can work around it.
One consideration was his workload and innings limit for the season, and Francona acknowledge that as part of the team’s thought process. But Burns still has the green-light for his first All-Star Game.
The NL’s starting pitching staff includes Burns (Reds), Jesús Luzardo (Phillies), Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies), Paul Skenes (Pirates), Braxton Ashcraft (Pirates), Max Meyer (Marlins), Eduardo Rodriguez (Diamondbacks), Jacob Misiorowski (Brewers), (Logan Webb (Giants), Chris Sale (Braves), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers). For relievers, Roberts will be selecting from Jhoan Duran (Phillies), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), Mason Miller (Padres) and Riley O’Brien (St. Louis).
