The Cincinnati Reds are eagerly awaiting the return of right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene, who is set to make his 2026 debut after undergoing surgery in March to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Manager Terry Francona has revealed that the team hopes to activate Greene from the 60-day injured list before the All-Star break, with a live batting practice session scheduled for Monday as the next step in his rehabilitation. This potential return comes at a crucial time for the Reds, who have struggled to maintain their early-season momentum, currently sitting at a .500 record (31-31) and facing a challenging NL Central division.
Greene's journey to recovery has been marked by a history of durability concerns, spending at least five weeks on the IL in each of his first five Major League seasons. However, the 2024 season marked a turning point, as he showcased his potential as a frontline ace, posting a 2.76 ERA, 29.2% strikeout rate, and 8.1% walk rate over 258 innings. This impressive performance led to a six-year, $53MM extension in April 2023, solidifying his role as a cornerstone piece of the Reds' future.
The Reds' rotation has been a source of concern, with only Chase Burns consistently delivering results. Nick Lodolo, who started the season alongside Greene on the injured list, has struggled since his return, and Rhett Lowder's shoulder problems have further weakened the starting five. The team's overall struggles have resulted in an eight-game losing streak in May, contributing to their current position at the bottom of the NL Central.
Despite these challenges, the Reds have some positive injury updates. Elly De La Cruz, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain, is expected to return closer to the early end of his initially estimated 2-to-4-week rehab period. His progress is a welcome development for the team, as they navigate a difficult season.
The return of Hunter Greene and the potential return of Elly De La Cruz offer a glimmer of hope for the Reds, who are in dire need of a boost to their lineup and bullpen. With the All-Star break approaching, the team will be eager to see how these players' returns impact their performance and whether they can turn their season around.
