Good news is on the horizon for Cincinnati Reds fans: Hunter Greene is close to making his return. Though not yet officially activated from the injured list, Reds manager Terry Francona expressed strong optimism on MLB Network Radio that the ace pitcher will be back on the mound later this week.
“Greene threw a bullpen session on the game mound yesterday and looked great,” Francona said. “We’re feeling good about him being ready to go once we’re back in Cincinnati, likely for the Cubs series. That’s huge for us.”
It certainly would be. With Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, and Brady Singer lined up to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in the current series, Greene’s return could come just in time for Friday’s opener against the Chicago Cubs. That would set up a potentially strong rotation with Andrew Abbott slated for Saturday and Lodolo for the series finale on Sunday — a pivotal three-game set for Cincinnati.
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Greene, who has been sidelined with a mild groin strain, has been recovering well and could confirm the injury’s minor nature by returning on schedule. Before being sidelined, Greene was among the league’s most effective starters, and fans are eager to see if he can resume his dominant form.
So far this season, Greene holds a 4-2 record with an impressive 2.36 ERA, notching 61 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings and maintaining a 0.810 WHIP. While durability has been a concern in past seasons, returning this weekend would mean he’s missed just three starts — a positive sign for his overall health.
The timing couldn’t be better, as the Reds prepare for several critical matchups within the division. Two of their next four series are against the Cubs, who have emerged as front-runners in the NL Central. With Cincinnati riding a four-game win streak — currently the longest in baseball — Greene’s return could be the spark they need to keep climbing in the standings.