Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will have surgery on his right elbow and is projected to be sidelined until July, according to Nick Krall, the team’s president of baseball operations, who spoke with reporters Tuesday. The procedure is scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles and will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Greene Diagnosed with Bone Chips and Loose Bodies in the Elbow
Greene’s diagnosis came after experiencing stiffness in his right elbow following his spring training debut on February 28. An MRI conducted on Friday revealed the presence of bone chips and loose bodies in the joint, prompting the decision for surgery. The 24-year-old right-hander pitched one inning in that game against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing five hits, four runs, and one walk in a 9-7 Cincinnati victory.
Positive Signs Amid Injury Concerns
Nick Krall offered cautious optimism regarding the injury, stating,
“It’s definitely good news compared to what it could have been,”
and added,
“You’re thinking the worst. The ulnar collateral ligament [UCL] looked intact and good. So that’s a positive.”
This suggests the surgery will not involve the more severe UCL repair commonly associated with longer recovery times.
Greene’s Career Overview and Previous Injury History
Selected second overall in the 2017 MLB Draft, Greene has compiled a 25-29 win-loss record with a 3.65 ERA across his first four seasons. Notably, in 2024, he earned an All-Star selection after posting a career-best 2.75 ERA over 26 starts and a 9-5 record. Last season, he recorded a 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA in 19 starts.
Greene has battled injury issues in recent years, missing significant time in 2025 due to groin strains and in 2024 because of elbow problems. Despite these setbacks, the Reds secured his services through a six-year, $53 million contract extension signed in 2023. This contract includes a $21 million option for the 2029 season.
Team Outlook and Upcoming Schedule
Following Greene’s announced surgery, Cincinnati will continue preparations for the spring training season. The Reds are set to face the Colorado Rockies in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. EDT. Their regular season opener is scheduled for March 26 in Cincinnati, hosting the Boston Red Sox, with left-handed pitcher Andrew Abbott named as the starting pitcher for opening day.
