Hunter Greene, the Cincinnati Reds‘ leading pitcher, is set to undergo right elbow surgery on Wednesday in Goodyear, Arizona, which could cause him to miss up to four months of the upcoming season. The procedure comes after Greene was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his elbow, identified following an MRI prompted by stiffness that forced him to leave spring training early.
Injury History and Performance Overview of Hunter Greene
Last season, Greene recorded a 7-4 win-loss record with a 2.76 ERA as he helped Cincinnati secure a National League wild card spot, marking their first playoff run since 2020. Despite being limited to only 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings due to injuries, Greene led major league pitchers with an average four-seam fastball velocity of 99.5 mph. He also threw 296 pitches exceeding 100 mph, second only to Mason Miller, who had 422.
Throughout the 2023 season, Greene struggled with multiple injuries, including a right groin strain that placed him on the 15-day injured list twice. After initially being sidelined in May and returning briefly, he was out again until mid-August, further limiting his appearances.
Recent Performance and Impact on the Reds
Entering his fifth major league season, the 26-year-old Greene earned his first All-Star selection in 2024. That year, he posted a 9-5 record with a 2.75 ERA over 26 starts, striking out 169 batters in 150 1/3 innings despite also missing time due to elbow soreness. His consistent velocity and strikeout ability have made him a key figure in the Reds’ pitching rotation.
Implications and Prospects for the Season Ahead
Greene’s surgery and the ensuing recovery timeline present a significant setback for Cincinnati as they prepare for the new season. Losing their ace pitcher for several months will challenge the team’s rotation depth and playoff ambitions. The medical procedure aims to address the elbow issues that have limited Greene’s availability, but the length of his absence underscores the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future contributions.
