Hunter Greene, the Cincinnati Reds‘ leading pitcher, is currently undergoing an MRI to investigate persistent stiffness in his right elbow that started during last season’s playoff stretch. The 26-year-old hurler disclosed on Wednesday that the discomfort began toward the end of his final starts in 2025, casting uncertainty on his readiness for the upcoming Opening Day.
This revelation adds to the Reds’ growing concerns as they rely heavily on Greene’s presence in their rotation to support another postseason run. Previously thought to be routine spring soreness, Greene confirmed the issue dates back months.
“It was a playoff push, so I pushed through it,”
Greene stated, noting he had received an injection during the offseason and felt well until the pain resurfaced a week before spring training.
His recent spring outing on February 28 against the Milwaukee Brewers intensified doubts—Greene yielded four runs on five hits in just one inning while throwing only 37 pitches.
Recurring Injuries Have Marked Greene’s Career
Hunter Greene’s medical history highlights the physical toll of pitching at an elite level. Having been the second overall pick in the draft, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 as a prospect and later battled shoulder strain during his 2022 major league debut. The following years brought more struggles, including two months lost to hip pain in 2023 and a bruised right elbow sidelining him for five weeks in the latter half of 2024.
Last season was further complicated by dual groin strains that restricted him to only 107.2 innings over 19 starts. Nevertheless, Greene impressed when on the mound, finishing with a 2.76 ERA, a career-best 0.94 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts. His fastball velocity, averaging 99.5 miles per hour, remains a dominant force within baseball.
Current evaluations focus on known bone spurs in Greene’s elbow. Importantly, he has clarified that there is no damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at this time. The MRI scans will first be reviewed by the Reds’ team doctor, Dr. Timothy Kremchek, before consulting with prominent specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache for further opinion.
Potential Impact on Reds’ Championship Aspirations
Following a 2025 wild card appearance, the Reds see a strong opportunity to contend in 2026, making Greene’s health vital for their ambitions. His exceptional average fastball speed is foundational to the team’s pitching strength, complementing starters Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott.
Cincinnati’s manager, Terry Francona, has already decided to shut Greene down until at least the following Tuesday, leaving the Opening Day rotation uncertain. Despite the team’s depth investment, losing their ace pitcher would represent a significant setback for their competitive goals.
Greene’s six-year, $53 million contract, signed in April 2023 and including a $21 million option for 2029, underscores the Reds’ trust in him. The pitcher has openly expressed his loyalty to Cincinnati, stating his desire to remain with the team according to USA Today.
The coming days are critical as medical evaluations clarify whether Greene’s stiffness is a minor issue or indicative of a more severe problem. For a franchise that has built its recent success around elite starting pitching performances, the status of Greene’s elbow could heavily influence their 2026 season well before it starts.
With the season opener just weeks away, Cincinnati fans remain hopeful that their homegrown talent’s latest health concern will be manageable, as time grows scarce and the value of Greene’s powerful fastball remains undeniable.
