Chase Burns (tight right groin) to miss 2026 All-Star Game

CINCINNATI -- Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns will not be able to play in Tuesday's All-Star Game because of tightness in his right groin.

Burns reported the injury to the club and went to manager Terry Francona on Friday. After Burns, Francona, president of baseball operations Nick Krall and general manager Brad Meador went over the situation, the 23-year-old decided Saturday it was best to not pitch for the National League.

“He just said, 'I am just worried about doing something I shouldn’t do,'" Francona said.

Facing the Phillies on Wednesday in an 11-5 Reds win, Burns hurt his groin covering home plate on a wild pitch as Justin Crawford scored in the second inning.

“It was a tough decision," Burns said. "I am very thankful to be selected and stuff, but I kind of had a tough play at the plate against the Phillies and the groin kind of got tight. I think it’s just a mature decision to prioritize the second half of the season and not mess it up anymore.”

Burns labored in game while allowing a career-high six walks over five innings, but he said he did not feel anything wrong while on the mound.

“I think adrenaline got me through it. The next day, it was just tight," he said.

“We saw the play, but he never said anything," Francona said. "Then afterwards, he got kind of stiff. He’s OK. I just think he’s trying to show some maturity and he understands that, like he told me, he knows where he’s at with his innings compared to last year and stuff. He was really thought out and conscientious about it.”

Burns understood that he would be very excited to pitch in his first All-Star Game and that it could put additional stress on his body.

“I just know myself. I know I’ll be pumped up," he said. "I know with a crowd like that, I would try to throw probably 120. I think it’s just smart for me to not get it tight again. I will work on my recovery and be ready for the second half of the season.”