Blab Sports
Hunter Greene Could Return Before All-Star Break, Reds Ace on Rehab Path
On Saturday, Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters that right‑hander Hunter Greene is moving forward in his recovery and may rejoin the rotation before the All‑Star break. Francona said Greene’s next milestone is throwing live batting practice, which would set the stage for a possible rehab assignment and a full workload in the second half.
Greene’s elbow troubles started before the 2024 campaign. He reported stiffness in his right elbow and underwent a March surgery to remove spurs and loose bodies. The procedure sidelined him at the season’s start, and the Reds have struggled to keep a healthy starting staff since.
Injuries have been a recurring theme for the club this year. Nick Lodolo missed the opening day with a blister on his left finger and, after returning, has posted a 5.21 ERA across five starts. Rhett Lowder has been on the injured list since May 13 with a right‑shoulder injury and is expected to return soon. With those absences, the Reds have relied on a four‑man rotation, making Greene’s potential comeback a significant boost.
Since the beginning of the season, Greene has posted a 2.76 ERA over 258 innings. His strikeout rate sits at 29.2 percent and his walk rate at 8.1 percent. Over the last two seasons, he has established himself as the staff’s ace.
Greene is also in the middle of a six‑year, $53 million extension that the Reds signed in April 2023. The contract reflects the organization’s confidence in his long‑term role as a frontline starter.
Francona’s comments come after Greene has begun throwing live batting practice. The goal is to move him toward a full workload in the second half of the season. The Reds currently sit in last place in the National League Central with a 31‑31 record.
A return from the 60‑day injured list before the All‑Star break would add veteran presence to the rotation and could improve the team’s competitiveness in a highly contested division. The front office has emphasized Greene’s health, and the coaching staff is monitoring his progress closely.
At present, the Reds are evaluating Greene’s readiness and will likely schedule a rehab assignment if his performance in live batting practice meets expectations. The next few weeks will be critical for both Greene and the club as they aim to strengthen a rotation that has been undermined by injuries.
In summary, Hunter Greene’s potential return before the All‑Star break represents a key development for the Cincinnati Reds. The team’s current record, injury challenges, and Greene’s contract status underscore the significance of his recovery. The Reds will be watching how the pitcher’s rehab progresses and whether he can rejoin the rotation in time to influence the team’s fortunes in the latter half of the season.
Greene’s elbow troubles started before the 2024 campaign. He reported stiffness in his right elbow and underwent a March surgery to remove spurs and loose bodies. The procedure sidelined him at the season’s start, and the Reds have struggled to keep a healthy starting staff since.
Injuries have been a recurring theme for the club this year. Nick Lodolo missed the opening day with a blister on his left finger and, after returning, has posted a 5.21 ERA across five starts. Rhett Lowder has been on the injured list since May 13 with a right‑shoulder injury and is expected to return soon. With those absences, the Reds have relied on a four‑man rotation, making Greene’s potential comeback a significant boost.
Since the beginning of the season, Greene has posted a 2.76 ERA over 258 innings. His strikeout rate sits at 29.2 percent and his walk rate at 8.1 percent. Over the last two seasons, he has established himself as the staff’s ace.
Greene is also in the middle of a six‑year, $53 million extension that the Reds signed in April 2023. The contract reflects the organization’s confidence in his long‑term role as a frontline starter.
Francona’s comments come after Greene has begun throwing live batting practice. The goal is to move him toward a full workload in the second half of the season. The Reds currently sit in last place in the National League Central with a 31‑31 record.
A return from the 60‑day injured list before the All‑Star break would add veteran presence to the rotation and could improve the team’s competitiveness in a highly contested division. The front office has emphasized Greene’s health, and the coaching staff is monitoring his progress closely.
At present, the Reds are evaluating Greene’s readiness and will likely schedule a rehab assignment if his performance in live batting practice meets expectations. The next few weeks will be critical for both Greene and the club as they aim to strengthen a rotation that has been undermined by injuries.
In summary, Hunter Greene’s potential return before the All‑Star break represents a key development for the Cincinnati Reds. The team’s current record, injury challenges, and Greene’s contract status underscore the significance of his recovery. The Reds will be watching how the pitcher’s rehab progresses and whether he can rejoin the rotation in time to influence the team’s fortunes in the latter half of the season.
