PHILADELPHIA − The lighthearted conversation between Terry Francona and Chase Burns regarding why Burns doesn’t wear a protective cup will probably linger for longer than any pain rom the line drive come-backer that started the conversation.
The final pitch of Burns’ May 19 outing for the Cincinnati Reds against the Philadelphia Phillies saw Bryce Harper line a nearly-109 mph shot back at Burns, striking him on what’s been described as the backside of his upper thigh.
After the game, a 4-1 Reds win, Francona joked about his astonishment in learning Burns didn’t wear a cup in-game. Burns laughed the matter off.
“I said, ‘I don’t even watch a game on TV without wearing a cup,'” Francona said on-camera in his office after the game.
By Wednesday, May 20, and ahead of the Reds-Phillies matinee series finale at Citizens Bank Park, it appeared to be safe to laugh off the situation as Francona confirmed a lasting injury was unlikely.
“He has a pretty good bruise, but, and he’s a little tender to the tough by his own admission,” Francona said, “but now, he’s fine.”
Burns also said he felt good.
The Harper line drive came on the 86th and final pitch of Burns’ night. The ball rolled favorably for Burns and the Reds after it hit him, and he descended the mound, fielded the ball and tossed to first base to retire Harper.
Burns largely silenced the Phillies throughout his six innings. In doing so, he improved to 6-1 on the year and 3-0 in May. Burns has three of Cincinnati’s five May victories and has buoyed the club over a 5-13 month after finishing April with a 20-11 overall record.
Francona says Reds starter Rhett Lowder moving toward facing live batters
Rhett Lowder, the Reds’ other 23-year-old starting pitching phenom, remains on the injured list after right shoulder pain forced him out of his May 7 start against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, but Francona detailed the plans to move Lowder closer to returning from action.
Lowder’s eventual return to the starting rotation, whenever it happens, will be a welcome relief for the Reds, who are still without Hunter Greene (elbow surgery) and Brandon Williamson (60-day IL), and didn’t use Chase Petty of Triple-A Louisville due to a blister problem. The Reds signed Chris Paddock last week after he was released by the Florida Marlins.
Francona said Lowder threw a side bullpen on May 19, and will throw another on Friday, May 22. If that goes to plan, Lowder will face live hitters Monday, May 25 or Tuesday, May 26.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds starter Chase Burns ‘fine’ after being hit with 109 mph line drive
Reporting by Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
