Chase Petty will make his return to the Cincinnati Reds as a starting pitcher on Monday against the Cubs. This comes after a challenging stint in the big leagues last season. Meanwhile, Nick Lodolo is set to join the team in Chicago and is expected to start against the Astros on Friday. Petty has been working on his pitching, emphasizing a new change-up and throwing his two-seamer harder this season, hoping for a stronger debut.

By the Numbers
  • In his prior big league appearances, Petty had a 0-3 record, allowing 13 earned runs over 6 innings.
  • This season in Triple-A, Petty has a 4.38 ERA over 24.2 innings with 29 strikeouts.
Yes, But

Despite Petty's impressive strikeout numbers in the minors, his overall performance has been inconsistent, with two games resulting in 12 runs over 5.2 innings. This raises concerns about his ability to handle the pressure of a major league start.

State of Play
  • Petty has had a mixed season in Triple-A, with standout performances and significant struggles.
  • Lodolo's return from injury adds depth to the Reds' pitching rotation after a five-week absence.
What's Next

If Petty shows promise in his start against the Cubs, he may earn another opportunity in the rotation. However, if he falters, he’s likely to return to the minors for further development.

Bottom Line

Chase Petty's upcoming start is crucial for his career trajectory; a strong performance could restore confidence, whereas failure may lead to further time in the minors.