Chase Petty Gets the Call: 23-Year-Old First-Rounder Thrust Into Cubs Rotation Spot
The Cincinnati Reds are turning to youth and upside. The team recalled former first-round pick Chase Petty to start Monday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs on the road, moving him into a rotation slot that just opened up when left-hander Brandon Williamson hit the injured list Thursday with shoulder fatigue.
Petty, 23, takes the roster spot previously held by right-hander Zach Maxwell, who got optioned down to Triple-A Louisville. It's the kind of move that screams "we need answers now," and the Reds are banking on the kid they acquired from Minnesota in 2022 to deliver.
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This isn't Petty's first rodeo in the big leagues. He made his major league debut last season for Cincinnati with three appearances (two starts), getting the feel for life at the highest level. But the real action this year has been in Louisville, where he posted a 2-2 record with a 4.38 ERA across six starts. Not flashy, but it's enough for the Reds to believe he can eat innings against the Cubs.
Petty was the No. 26 overall selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, originally scooped up by Minnesota. When the Twins sent Sonny Gray to Cincinnati back in 2022, the Reds got Petty in return. That trade is looking smarter by the day if the kid can prove he belongs in a big league rotation.
Out: Maxwell's Rough Stretch
Zach Maxwell, 25, wasn't getting it done. His lone big league outing this season came Friday against Pittsburgh, where he surrendered four runs in just one inning of relief. Over the past two seasons, Maxwell has posted a 7.36 ERA across nine relief appearances for the Reds. The organization clearly decided it was time to give someone else a shot.
With Williamson sidelined and Maxwell struggling, Petty gets his chance. Chicago's got to be ready for a hungry young arm looking to prove he belongs.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.