Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to remove bone chips from his right elbow. The procedure comes after Greene, who was anticipated to be the team’s ace this season, experienced stiffness in the same elbow during spring training in Arizona. His recovery timeline suggests he may not return to the mound until July.
After leaving the Reds’ spring training camp, the 26-year-old Greene returned to Cincinnati for imaging studies and consultations with specialists, including Dr. Neal ElAttrache. This marks a significant setback for Greene, who had shown considerable promise in the previous season.
Greene’s Performance and Injury History
Last season, Greene posted an impressive record of 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA, although he was limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107.2 innings due to injuries. His performance was instrumental in leading the Reds to their first playoff appearance since 2020. Greene’s fastball averaged an impressive 99.5 mph, ranking him first in the major leagues among pitchers who threw at least 1,250 pitches. He also recorded 296 pitches of 100 mph or higher, placing second in the league.
In preparation for the current season, Greene added more lower-body work to his training regimen in an effort to mitigate injury risks following two stints on the injured list in 2025. Greene is entering his fifth season in the major leagues and made his first appearance on the National League All-Star team in 2024, finishing that season with a record of 9-5 and a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts.
Reds Prepare for Opening Day
With Greene sidelined, the Reds have named left-hander Andrew Abbott as their Opening Day starter for the home game against the Boston Red Sox on March 26, 2024. This will be Abbott’s first Opening Day start. The 26-year-old was selected as an All-Star last season, solidifying his role as a key player for the Reds.
As the team navigates this challenging period, Greene’s anticipated return will be crucial for their pitching rotation as they aim for a successful season ahead. The Reds will look to leverage Abbott’s skills while hoping for Greene’s swift recovery.
