Chase Petty Debuts for Reds in Twin Bill

Chase Petty fires one in during a June 18, 2024 matchup between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Chattanooga Lookouts. (Photo by Alana Dackiw)

Chase Petty is about to step onto a Major League mound for the first time.

The Cincinnati Reds are set to call up the 22-year-old right-hander from Triple-A Louisville to start Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. The afternoon opener, scheduled for 12:40 PM, will make up for Tuesday’s rainout, while the regularly scheduled 6:40 PM contest becomes the second game of the twin bill. Petty will serve as the Reds’ 27th man for the day, making his MLB debut in the nightcap.

Petty has long been considered one of Cincinnati’s top prospects (ranked No. 6 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list for 2025). In five starts this season at Triple-A Louisville, the 22-year-old was 0–2 with a 3.52 ERA, striking out 27 batters and walking nine over 23 innings. He flashed his upside in his most recent outing (April 23), firing six shutout innings against the Iowa Cubs—allowing just one hit and fanning seven. Petty’s mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches have drawn praise throughout his development, contributing to the high expectations surrounding his promotion.

Heading into the game, manager Terry Francona emphasized that Petty’s debut is more about gaining experience than immediate results. “We think a lot of this kid… he’s a young kid with a really bright future,” Francona said. “Regardless of how today goes, it’s not gonna define his future.” Analysts echoed that sentiment, noting this appearance is likely a one-start audition. A recent report from RotoWire observed that Petty “will likely be returned to Louisville” once Cincinnati no longer needs a 27th man in the rotation. Still, fans and teammates are eager to see what he brings to the table—and whether this debut could mark the beginning of something more.

While the pressure of debuting in a divisional rivalry game isn’t light, the opportunity could offer a glimpse into the Reds’ long-term plans. All eyes will be on Petty as he takes the mound under the lights in Cincinnati, looking to turn potential into performance.