Hunter Greene Faces MRI for Right Elbow Stiffness
Goodyear, Ariz. — Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene is scheduled for an MRI on his right elbow after reporting stiffness earlier this week, manager Terry Francona announced Wednesday. The team booked the procedure after Greene woke up with discomfort on Tuesday, and he will be evaluated by team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek, and will also consult with Los Angeles Dodgers head team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Injury Timeline and Evaluation
Greene experienced the discomfort on Tuesday, prompting the team to schedule an MRI. He will be examined by Dr. Kremchek and receive a second opinion from Dr. ElAttrache. Greene stated his ulnar collateral ligament was recently found to be intact, but the imaging is a necessary precaution.
Previous Injuries and Offseason Function
Greene acknowledged being aware of bone spurs in his elbow, an issue he has managed in the past without requiring surgery. He added more lower-body work to his offseason routine in an attempt to prevent injuries. He was previously placed on the 15-day injured list on May 9, 2025, with a right groin strain, returning on May 23 before re-injuring it and being sidelined until August 13.
Greene’s Performance and Contract
Last season, Greene went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA, contributing to Cincinnati’s NL wild card berth – their first playoff appearance since 2020. Despite being limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings, he maintained impressive statistics. His 99.5 mph average four-seam fastball velocity led the major leagues among pitchers throwing at least 1,250 pitches, and he recorded the second-most pitches of 100 mph or higher in MLB with 296.
The 26-year-ancient is in the fourth year of a six-year, $53 million contract extension, earning $8 million this season, with $15 million and $16 million due in 2027 and 2028 respectively. The Reds hold a $21 million club option (with a $2 million buyout) for the 2029 season.
Impact on the Reds’ Rotation
Greene’s potential absence poses a challenge to what was expected to be a strong rotation. The Reds can turn to Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer. Top prospects Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder are also options, though both are still establishing themselves in the majors. Lowder pitched only 9 1/3 minor league innings last year due to multiple injuries.
Potential Depth Options
Depth options on Cincinnati’s 40-man roster include Chase Petty, Julian Aguiar, and Brandon Williamson. Jose Franco was recently added to the 40-man roster after posting a 3.11 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A last season.
Free Agency Not Currently a Focus
Despite Greene’s uncertain status, president of baseball operations Nick Krall indicated the team does not anticipate pursuing free agent starters to fill the void. Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell remain unsigned, but the Reds’ payroll is already projected to be higher than last year after spending over $47 million in free agency.