Sal Stewart didn’t just start his 2026 Major League Baseball season with a bang—he rewrote the record books. In a commanding 2-0 shutout victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day-plus-three, the 22-year-old rookie shortstop delivered five plate appearances, reaching base safely in all five while setting a new MLB benchmark as the youngest player in over a century to accomplish the feat in his first four big-league games. The historic performance was the centerpiece of a masterclass from Cincinnati’s youth movement, which combined for eight hits, seven strikeouts from Chase Burns, and a flawless 11-pitch debut from Jose Franco as the Reds improved to 3-1 on the young season.
How Sal Stewart’s Record-Setting Start Rewrote MLB History
Stewart’s offensive explosion against Pittsburgh wasn’t just another strong outing—it was a statistical anomaly. According to MLB.com researcher Sarah Langs, Stewart (22 years, 113 days old) became just the fourth Reds player since 1990—and the first in MLB since 1900—to reach base safely in all four of his first games of a season. His five-hit performance included a single, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch, marking the most plate appearances without an out in a starter’s MLB debut since modern record-keeping began.
The significance extends beyond the stat sheet. Stewart’s ability to draw walks and put the ball in play early in counts reflects Cincinnati’s emphasis on plate discipline, a cornerstone of their rebuilding project under manager David Bell. His .417 on-base percentage through the first four games places him among the top 10 rookies in MLB history to start a season with such sustained success. For a franchise that has prioritized player development in recent years—despite missing the playoffs in 2025—the emergence of Stewart and fellow young stars like Elly De La Cruz signals a potential shift toward competitiveness.
Chase Burns Shines in First MLB Win as Reds’ Rotation Shows Promise
While Stewart’s bat commanded attention, Chase Burns delivered a performance that may have cemented his role in the Reds’ rotation for years to come. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out seven Pirates in five innings, allowing just one hit and three walks while throwing 78 pitches—an efficient outing for a pitcher making his MLB debut. Burns’ fastball consistently touched 99.6 mph, tying Graham Ashcraft for the fastest pitch of the game, a clear indication of Cincinnati’s investment in power arms.
Burns’ debut win (1-0) marked only the second time in Reds history that a starting pitcher recorded at least seven strikeouts with one or fewer hits allowed in his first MLB victory. The last to do so? Tom Seaver in 1967. For a franchise that has struggled with starting pitching depth in recent seasons, Burns’ command and velocity suggest a bright future. His ability to work around walks and limit hard contact aligns with the analytics-driven approach the Reds have adopted under pitching coach Derek Johnson, who has overseen a rotation that posted a 4.38 ERA in 2025 after ranking in the bottom third league-wide in prior years.
Jose Franco’s Impressive MLB Debut Sets Tone for Reds’ Infield Future
The Reds’ youth movement extended to the infield, where 21-year-old shortstop Jose Franco made his MLB debut in the sixth inning. Franco, called up from Louisville after an injury to veteran Edmundo Sosa, faced two batters, inducing a double play and a groundout in 1.2 shutout innings. His composed performance—throwing 35 pitches with 23 strikes—offered a glimpse of Cincinnati’s middle-infield pipeline, which includes Franco, top prospect Matt McLain, and Stewart.
Franco’s debut was particularly notable given the Reds’ emphasis on defensive versatility. Scouts have praised his range and arm strength, qualities that could allow him to transition between shortstop and second base as the roster evolves. His ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as inducing a double play in his first big-league inning, underscores the Reds’ confidence in their young talent despite a roster still in flux.
Bullpen Brilliance: Connor Phillips Secures First Career Save After Shaky Start
The ninth inning could have been the undoing of the Reds’ perfect game bid, but Connor Phillips—called up from Triple-A Louisville just days earlier—refused to falter. After walking the first two batters he faced, Phillips induced a strikeout on three pitches and retired the next two, including a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch by McLain to strand both runners. The save, Phillips’ first in the majors, came just 10 days after he was drafted in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Phillips’ composure under fire was a testament to the Reds’ bullpen depth, which has become a strength in recent years. After ranking 27th in bullpen ERA in 2023, Cincinnati’s relief corps posted a 3.89 mark in 2025, thanks in part to the development of arms like Phillips, Graham Ashcraft, and Alexis Díaz. His ability to bounce back from a rough sequence—walking Ozuna and O’Hearn—demonstrates the mental fortitude required of young pitchers in high-leverage situations.
Defensive Gems and Pitching Velocity: The Small Details That Mattered
Beyond the stat lines, several moments defined the Reds’ victory. Elly De La Cruz’s stolen base attempt in the fourth inning featured a throw from Pirates catcher Henry Davis that clocked in at 90.2 mph—the second-fastest of the young season, trailing only Davis’ 91.1 mph throw two days prior. The arm strength of Davis, a key piece of Pittsburgh’s pitching staff, has been a bright spot for the Pirates despite their 1-4 start to 2026.
On the mound, the Reds’ pitching staff dominated in velocity. Burns and Ashcraft both hit 99.6 mph on their fastballs, while Phillips’ fastest pitch registered at 99.0 mph. Collectively, 42 of the game’s fastest pitches were thrown by Cincinnati pitchers, a clear indication of their emphasis on power pitching. For a franchise that has historically leaned on contact hitters, the infusion of velocity across the rotation and bullpen could be a game-changer.
What’s Next for the Reds: A Look at the Upcoming Series
Cincinnati’s early-season momentum continues against the Milwaukee Brewers, who visit Great American Ball Park for a three-game series starting Friday. The Reds will send Bubba Chandler (4-1, 4.02 ERA in 2025) to the mound against Milwaukee’s Brandon Williamson, who is making his MLB debut after dominating at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2025. Williamson, a 24-year-old left-hander, struck out 143 batters in 121.1 innings at the minor-league level, positioning him as a potential breakout candidate.
The Brewers, meanwhile, enter the series as one of the National League’s most improved teams, thanks to a revamped rotation and the addition of slugger Carlos Correa. A sweep by the Reds would further cement their early-season surge, while a strong showing from Milwaukee could signal the start of another tight divisional race in the NL Central. For Cincinnati, the key will be maintaining the balance between veteran presence (like Joey Votto, who re-signed with the Reds in the offseason) and the burgeoning young talent that dominated this week’s series.
Key Takeaways: Why Cincinnati’s Hot Start Matters
- Sal Stewart’s record-setting five-hit start makes him the youngest MLB player in 126 years to reach base safely in each of his first four games, setting the tone for Cincinnati’s youth movement.
- Chase Burns’ dominant debut (seven strikeouts, one hit allowed) suggests the Reds’ pitching development is paying off, potentially stabilizing a rotation that has struggled in recent years.
- The Reds’ bullpen, led by Connor Phillips’ clutch save, has become a strength, with young arms like Graham Ashcraft and Alexis Díaz providing late-game reliability.
- Jose Franco’s flawless MLB debut highlights Cincinnati’s middle-infield pipeline, which includes Stewart, McLain, and Franco as potential long-term solutions.
- Early-season success against division rivals like the Brewers could signal a shift from rebuilding to contention in the NL Central.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Reds’ Historic Win
Frequently Asked Questions
- How rare is Sal Stewart’s record in MLB history?
- Stewart’s five-hit performance in his first four games makes him the youngest player since 1900 to reach base safely in every game to start a season. Only three other Reds players have accomplished this feat since 1990.
- What does Chase Burns’ debut mean for the Reds’ rotation?
- Burns’ seven-strikeout, one-hit outing suggests he could be a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s rotation for years. His velocity (99.6 mph) and command align with the Reds’ analytics-driven pitching development.
- Who is Jose Franco, and why is his MLB debut significant?
- Jose Franco is a 21-year-old shortstop called up from Triple-A after an injury to Edmundo Sosa. His 1.2 shutout innings in his debut showcase the Reds’ focus on defensive versatility and young talent.
