Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will be sidelined until at least July as he undergoes surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. The procedure, scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles, is necessary before the team can fully assess Greene‘s availability for the 2026 season. The removal of these bone fragments may also help determine if there is any ligament damage requiring further attention.
Medical Evaluation and Previous Treatments for Greene’s Elbow
Before deciding on surgery, Greene consulted several specialists, including Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed his Tommy John surgery in 2019. ElAttrache had recommended an injection late last season when Greene experienced elbow soreness, which temporarily relieved symptoms but did not address the underlying issue of loose bodies in the joint. The Reds confirmed that these bone fragments need surgical removal to resolve Greene’s ongoing discomfort.
Team Statements and Greene’s Recent Condition
Reds manager Terry Francona reported on March 4 that Greene was dealing with stiffness in his elbow. Francona emphasized the importance of addressing the problem, stating,
“You know, you’re asking the guy to go out there and throw as hard as he can. We need to make sure he’s OK.”
Greene appeared in only one spring training game this year, during which he gave up four runs on five hits in one inning against the Milwaukee Brewers, with no strikeouts recorded.
Impact of Injury on Reds’ Opening Day Plans
With Greene sidelined, left-hander Andrew Abbott has been named the Reds’ Opening Day starter for their March 26 game against the Boston Red Sox. The team is adjusting their rotation to compensate for the loss of one of their top pitchers heading into the season.
Hunter Greene’s Career Performance and Injury History
Known as one of the fastest pitchers in baseball, Greene averaged a 99.5 mph fastball last season and recorded over 100 mph on 296 pitches, ranking second in MLB for such velocity. Despite these impressive numbers, his career has been hampered by injuries, including a 2022 shoulder strain, hip pain in 2023, and a right groin strain last year that led to two stints on the injured list. In total, Greene was limited to 107 2/3 innings in 2025.
Selected second overall in the 2017 MLB Draft by Cincinnati, Greene has produced strong results when healthy. Over four major league seasons, he holds a 25-29 record with a 3.65 ERA across 91 starts, accumulating 617 strikeouts against 179 walks. Notably, he earned an All-Star selection in 2024 after posting a 9-5 record and a career-best 2.75 ERA in 150 1/3 innings.
Significance of Greene’s Surgery for the Reds’ Future
Hunter Greene’s upcoming surgery and recovery timeline present a significant challenge for the Cincinnati Reds as they manage their pitching staff this season. The operation will not only address the immediate issue of bone chips but could also reveal further damage that might affect Greene’s long-term performance. How Greene recovers will be pivotal for the Reds’ hopes in upcoming campaigns, given his ability to dominate hitters when fully healthy.
