Chase Burns scratched from All-Star Game. Reds get an injury update on their rookie ace.

Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns was all set to make his first All-Star appearance. Then a groin injury changed those plans.

Burns tweaked his groin during Cincinnati’s 11-5 win over the Phillies on Wednesday. He chased down a wild pitch and felt something grab. He told manager Terry Francona after the game that he wouldn’t be able to pitch in the Midsummer Classic. Francona confirmed the decision and said the injury is minor.

“He’s going to be fine,” Francona said. “He could have pushed it but we both agreed it’s smarter to rest it and come back strong after the break.”

Burns is scheduled to make his next start when the Reds resume play. The team has not listed him as day-to-day or anything more serious.

The rookie has been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing Reds season. Burns has made 18 starts. Nine of them were quality starts. His ERA sits at 2.54 and he has struck out 118 batters in 102.2 innings. He entered the All-Star break with an 11-1 record.

“I think it’s just smart for me to not get tight again,” Burns told Cincinnati radio host Mike Petraglia. “Work on my recovery and focus on the second half of the season.”

The Reds are 43-50 heading into the break. They sit in last place in the NL Central. That’s not where anyone expected them to be. This was supposed to be a playoff team. Instead, they are 7.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. The season is basically done.

But Burns is still a reason to watch. The 23-year-old righty has been dominant. He throws a fastball that touches 99 and a slider that makes hitters look silly. His command has been better than anyone expected for a first-year arm. If the Reds can build around him and a couple other young pitchers over the next couple years, maybe this season is just a detour.

For now though, Cincinnati fans will have to settle for watching their young ace sit out a showcase game. The groin issue is minor. The big picture is still murky.

Burns will get his All-Star moment eventually. Probably as soon as next year. The talent is there. The health, in this case, just needs another few days.