GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Concern is growing around the Cincinnati Reds as ace pitcher Hunter Greene is scheduled for an MRI on his right elbow Friday, manager Terry Francona announced Wednesday. The discomfort began when Greene woke up Tuesday, prompting the team to grab immediate precautionary steps, including evaluation by team physician Dr. Timothy Kremcheck. The news casts a shadow over the start of spring training for a team hoping to build on its playoff appearance last season.
The 26-year-old Greene, a key piece of the Reds’ pitching staff, will refrain from throwing until at least Tuesday, pending the results of the MRI and a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Greene’s Tommy John surgery in 2019. Francona emphasized the team’s priority is ensuring Greene’s well-being, stating, “You know, you’re asking the guy to head out there and throw as hard as he can. We necessitate to make sure he’s OK.” This cautious approach reflects a pattern of injury concerns that have followed the young pitcher throughout his career.
A History of Injuries
Greene’s path to becoming a frontline starter has been repeatedly interrupted by various ailments. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019, his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2022 was hampered by a shoulder strain. The following year, he missed two months due to right hip pain and in 2024, a bruised elbow sidelined him for five weeks. Most recently, Greene was limited to 107 2/3 innings in 2025 after suffering two separate right groin strains. This latest elbow stiffness adds to a concerning trend for a pitcher whose power relies on full physical capacity.
Spring Training Setback
The elbow issue surfaced after a less-than-stellar spring training start on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Greene allowed four earned runs on five hits in just one inning of operate, throwing 37 pitches, only 21 for strikes. While Greene initially reported feeling fine after the outing, the subsequent discomfort prompted further investigation. Francona noted that Greene “is not recovering the way, I think, he’s comfortable with,” but stressed the team is still trying to pinpoint when the issue arose.
Francona’s Focus on Player Health
Terry Francona, entering his second season as manager of the Reds, has consistently prioritized player health and well-being. As reported by Yahoo Sports in February, Francona stated he doesn’t care about his legacy, emphasizing that his focus is on creating an environment where players can thrive. This philosophy was evident in his handling of Elly De La Cruz’s quad injury last season and now, with Greene’s elbow, underscores his commitment to long-term player development over short-term gains.
Impact on the Reds’ Rotation
Greene’s potential absence creates uncertainty in the Reds’ starting rotation. The team has several pitchers competing for spots, including Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, Julian Aguiar, and Brandon Williamson. While these pitchers offer potential, none possess Greene’s established track record or velocity. Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall acknowledged the situation, stating, “I don’t desire to speculate, it’s too soon. We’re going to just get it taken care of.”
The Reds are coming off an 83-79 season and a Wild Card berth in 2025, their first playoff appearance since 2020. The addition of Eugenio Suárez, who hit 49 home runs between Arizona and Seattle last season, was expected to bolster the lineup. Yet, a prolonged absence of Greene would significantly diminish the team’s chances of contending in the National League. The team is hoping for a swift and accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of action.
The team expects to have more information following the MRI on Friday and the consultation with Dr. ElAttrache. Until then, the Reds and their fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on the status of their ace. The next confirmed update is expected on Tuesday, when the team anticipates having a clearer understanding of the severity of Greene’s elbow issue and a timeline for his return.
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