GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene is facing renewed concerns regarding his long-term durability and immediate availability for the upcoming season, with reports from sportsamo.com detailing that the hard-throwing right-hander is scheduled for an MRI on Friday after experiencing right elbow stiffness. The discomfort, which Greene reported Tuesday morning, has prompted swift action from the Reds’ medical staff, with team physician Dr. Timothy Kremcheck slated to evaluate the results of the procedure. This development casts a palpable shadow over the Reds’ Spring Training camp and ignites a familiar anxiety among the fanbase and front office alike, given Greene’s extensive history of battling injuries.
Manager Terry Francona, addressing the media Wednesday, conveyed a cautious yet clear concern regarding his pitching linchpin. Francona stated that Greene would be sidelined from throwing activities until at least Tuesday, when the team anticipates having a more comprehensive understanding of his condition. Adding another layer of scrutiny and apprehension, Greene is also slated to seek a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a renowned orthopedic surgeon based in Los Angeles. Dr. ElAttrache’s involvement is particularly significant and somewhat ominous, as he was the surgeon who performed Greene’s Tommy John surgery in 2019, making him intimately familiar with the pitcher’s elbow anatomy and previous repair. Francona acknowledged that Greene was "not recovering the way, I think, he’s comfortable with," a candid admission that suggests the stiffness is more than just typical spring training soreness. The decision to halt his throwing program and proceed with an MRI and a second opinion underscores the Reds’ commitment to extreme caution, especially for a pitcher of Greene’s caliber and injury background. "We need to get this," Francona emphasized, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring Greene’s health before asking him to unleash his high-octane fastball. "You’re asking the guy to go out there and throw as hard as he can. We need to make sure he’s OK."
Hunter Greene, a former second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, has long been touted as the cornerstone of the Reds’ pitching staff, a potential generational talent capable of anchoring a rotation for years to come. His electrifying fastball, which consistently sits in the upper 90s and often touches triple digits, coupled with a developing slider and changeup, makes him one of the most exciting and dominant arms in the National League when healthy. The 26-year-old’s potential is undeniable, and the Reds have invested heavily in his future, viewing him as a central figure in their competitive window. However, the path to realizing that potential has been frustratingly, and consistently, interrupted by physical setbacks.
The current elbow stiffness is the latest entry in a concerning medical chart that dates back to the beginning of his professional career. His most significant hurdle, the aforementioned Tommy John surgery in 2019, cost him a full season of development. While often considered a "career-saving" procedure for pitchers, it entails a grueling 12-18 month rehabilitation process and doesn’t guarantee a complete return to form, nor does it preclude future elbow issues. Indeed, for a pitcher who relies so heavily on velocity, the stress placed on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) remains immense, even post-surgery. Many pitchers experience a "rebound" period after TJ, sometimes even increased velocity, but the long-term wear and tear can be substantial.
Greene’s injury woes didn’t end with his elbow. His highly anticipated MLB debut season in 2022 was interrupted by a shoulder strain, sidelining him and impacting his rhythm as he adjusted to the big leagues. Shoulder issues, while distinct from elbow problems, can be equally debilitating for a pitcher, affecting arm slot, command, and overall strength. The following year, in 2023, he spent two months on the injured list with right hip pain. Hip issues for a pitcher are particularly concerning as they can compromise the entire kinetic chain, affecting leg drive, core stability, and ultimately, arm health and velocity. A compromised lower half often leads to pitchers compensating with their upper body, placing undue stress on the elbow and shoulder. The 2024 season saw him land on the IL for five weeks due to a bruised elbow, a different type of elbow ailment but nonetheless a cause for concern given his history. Then, in 2025, Greene was limited to just 107 2/3 innings due to suffering a right groin strain on two separate occasions, further highlighting a pattern of lower-body issues that could be interconnected with his mechanics and overall athletic performance.
This recurring pattern of injuries – spanning his elbow, shoulder, hip, and groin – raises legitimate questions about his biomechanics, workload management, and perhaps, simply a string of incredibly bad luck. For a pitcher who generates such incredible velocity, the stresses on the body are immense, and even minor imbalances can lead to significant problems. Industry experts often point to the relentless pursuit of velocity in modern baseball as a contributing factor to the epidemic of pitching injuries, and Greene, with his elite fastball, epitomizes this trend. The psychological toll of constantly battling back from injuries cannot be overstated, as it impacts a player’s ability to develop consistency, build confidence, and maintain a regular routine.
From the Reds’ perspective, Greene’s health is paramount, not just for his individual career but for the team’s aspirations. Cincinnati has been building a competitive core, brimming with young talent and aiming to contend in the National League Central. A healthy, dominant Hunter Greene is arguably the most crucial component of that vision, providing the front-line starter capable of stifling opposing lineups. His absence, or even a prolonged period of uncertainty, would create a significant void at the top of their rotation.
The Reds do have several promising arms vying for rotation spots in Spring Training, including Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, Julian Aguiar, and Brandon Williamson. While these prospects represent a tantalizing future for the organization, none possess Greene’s big-league experience, established "ace" potential, or the sheer velocity and intimidation factor he brings to the mound. Lowder and Burns are high-ceiling prospects, but asking them to immediately step into a front-line role, especially if Greene were to miss significant time, would be a monumental challenge and could accelerate their development curve in an undesirable way. Brandon Williamson showed flashes of potential last season but is still developing. Julian Aguiar is another promising arm further down the depth chart. The loss of Greene would undoubtedly place immense pressure on these young pitchers and potentially force the Reds to explore external options, though the timing of this news in late Spring Training makes such maneuvers difficult.
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall echoed Francona’s sentiment of caution, stating, "I don’t want to speculate, it’s too soon. We’re going to just get it taken care of." This measured response reflects the delicate nature of the situation; premature speculation can be counterproductive and emotionally taxing for the player and the organization. The focus remains squarely on gathering concrete information from the medical evaluations.
The upcoming MRI results and Dr. ElAttrache’s second opinion will be pivotal. Potential outcomes range from minor inflammation requiring only rest and anti-inflammatories, to a more serious structural issue that could necessitate a longer absence, potentially even another surgery, though the latter is a worst-case scenario no one in the Reds organization wants to contemplate. Even if it’s "just" inflammation, the recurring nature of elbow stiffness, particularly for a pitcher who has already undergone Tommy John surgery, is a significant concern that demands careful management and monitoring. The hope is for a brief setback, allowing Greene to return to the mound swiftly and resume his role as the Reds’ ace. However, until Tuesday arrives with more definitive answers, a palpable sense of unease will hang over the Reds’ camp, with the fate of their pitching centerpiece, and perhaps their season, hanging in the balance. The baseball world, and especially the Reds faithful, will be holding their breath.
