Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene is back on the injured list due to right elbow soreness, forcing the team into an immediate holding pattern regarding his pitching future, according to president of baseball operations Nick Krall as reported by Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie’s Chalkboard. Greene felt discomfort while throwing a side session, and the club has not yet provided a formal diagnosis or a timetable for his return as he prepares to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache for further evaluation.
Elbow Concerns Threaten Hunter Greene’s Season and Long-Term Outlook
The latest setback marks another frustrating chapter for the talented right-hander. According to Charlie Goldsmith’s reporting, this is Greene’s fifth major league season, and he has landed on the injured list in every single campaign. Earlier this year, Greene missed the first three-plus months of the schedule following a spring procedure to remove loose bodies from the exact same right elbow. He also spent a little over a month on the IL during the 2024 season due to similar elbow soreness.
Despite the interruptions, Greene has flashed strong underlying numbers on the mound this year. Across five starts, he holds an ERA of 6.83, largely driven by an unsustainable 49.4% strand rate. However, his 27.3% strikeout rate and 7.4% walk rate point to a pitcher who would likely see his ERA regress toward his 3.82 career mark over a full sample size.
Did you know? Hunter Greene has spent time on the injured list in all five of his major league seasons, making durability a persistent hurdle for the hard-throwing righty since his debut.
Impact on the Reds’ Rotation and Standings
The timing of the injury deals a heavy blow to a Cincinnati squad already slipping in the standings. At 54-58 and sitting five games back of a playoff spot, the team executed modest trades ahead of the deadline by moving Nathaniel Lowe and Caleb Ferguson. With Greene sidelined indefinitely, any realistic hopes of a late-season charge have dimmed significantly.
In the immediate term, the rotation features Chase Burns, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott. Reinforcements could be on the horizon, though. Nick Lodolo recently began a rehab assignment, tossing 65 pitches over 4 1/3 innings, while Brandon Williamson is also ramping up on a rehab assignment. Meanwhile, Julian Aguiar and Jose Franco remain on optional assignments, with Franco ineligible to be recalled for 15 days unless replacing an injured player.
Long-Term Rotation Questions for Cincinnati
Pitcher Brady Singer is an impending free agent, leaving the future projected staff heavily reliant on arms like Burns, Abbott, and developing youngsters if Greene misses extended time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hunter Greene go back on the injured list?
According to Nick Krall via Charlie Goldsmith, Greene experienced soreness in his right elbow while throwing a side session.
Who will evaluate Hunter Greene’s elbow injury?
Greene is scheduled to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache to gather more information.
What was Hunter Greene’s previous elbow injury this year?
Greene missed the first three-plus months of the season after undergoing a spring procedure to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
How does this injury affect the Reds’ current rotation?
The Cincinnati starting staff is currently operating with Chase Burns, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott, while recovering pitchers like Nick Lodolo work through rehab assignments.
Join the Conversation
How should the Reds manage their pitching depth while Hunter Greene recovers? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts on the team’s rotation strategy.
Related reading