In a significant blow to their pitching rotation, the Cincinnati Reds have announced that ace Hunter Greene will be placed on the injured list due to a Grade 1 groin strain. This unfortunate news comes after Greene's performance on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, where he helped the Reds secure a 4-3 victory against the Atlanta Braves.
Greene, who has been one of the standout pitchers in Major League Baseball this season, felt a pull in his groin during warmup pitches before the fourth inning. After throwing three scoreless innings and striking out six batters, the 25-year-old right-hander was removed from the game as a precaution. "I felt fantastic tonight. It (stinks) because the momentum was great," Greene shared. "In that top of the fourth, those first two warmup pitches, I felt my groin grab. I didn't feel like I'd be at my best or honestly keep the team in it by continuing to throw."
Manager Terry Francona addressed the situation, stating, "It's not terrible. You don’t want to miss him for even a day. But all things considered, he’s going to be OK. We’ve just gotta take care of him." The Reds plan to officially place Greene on the 15-day injured list on Sunday, May 11, 2025, which will allow them to backdate the move. This means Greene could be eligible to return by May 23, 2025, when the Reds face the Chicago Cubs at home.
Greene's performance this season has been impressive, boasting a 2.36 ERA over 45 2/3 innings with 61 strikeouts. He has been a key player for a Reds team that currently stands at 19-19 on the season. His absence will be felt, as he has averaged 24 starts in his first three seasons and made his first All-Star team last year.
With Greene sidelined, the Reds are considering their options for a replacement in the starting rotation. One potential candidate is Chase Petty, a highly touted prospect who recently made his big-league debut on April 30, 2025. However, Petty struggled in that outing, giving up nine runs in just 2 1/3 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. He has since rebounded with a stellar performance for Triple-A Louisville, where he pitched six scoreless innings and did not allow a hit in his latest start.
Francona indicated that the team is weighing its options carefully. "We don’t have a move tonight. We’re talking through some things. With Monday off, we’ll talk through it more," he said. The Reds are expected to make a decision soon, especially since they will need a replacement for Greene's spot in the rotation at least twice before his potential return.
The Reds' next game is a crucial matchup against the Braves, where they will look to build on their recent victory while managing the challenges posed by Greene's injury. As the team prepares for their upcoming series against the Houston Astros, fans are left hoping for a swift recovery for their ace pitcher.
Greene's injury adds to the growing list of challenges for the Reds this season. The team has faced depth issues in the starting rotation, and losing Greene, who has been a consistent performer, could complicate their efforts to stay competitive in the National League Central division. The Reds are determined to navigate this setback and keep their playoff hopes alive.
As the situation develops, fans will be watching closely for updates on Greene's recovery and the Reds' roster decisions. With the season still young, there's plenty of time for the team to regroup and make a push for contention.
In the meantime, the Reds will rely on their remaining pitchers to step up in Greene's absence. The upcoming series against the Astros will be a true test of the team's resilience and depth. Can they hold their ground until Greene returns? Only time will tell.
