ATLANTA - Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene pitched three dominant innings on May 7 in Atlanta, and then left the game against the Braves due to a right groin injury. Greene, who had recently taken a 96-mph line drive off his back during his last start but managed to finish that game, showed his resilience by retiring 9 of the 11 batters he faced, including six strikeouts and no walks. The Reds led the game 4-0 at the time of his exit.
Greene's night started strong, as he struck out the side in the second inning and showcased his incredible fastball, hitting triple digits multiple times, including a 101 mph pitch that left Alex Verdugo swinging. However, the injury struck just as he was preparing for the fourth inning. Greene threw two warm-up pitches, the last of which bounced in front of him, prompting him to signal to the dugout. Reds manager Terry Francona and an athletic trainer quickly rushed to the mound, and after a brief discussion, Greene was escorted off the field.
Replacing Greene on the mound was left-hander Brent Suter, who pitched two innings and allowed one run on a homer from Drake Baldwin in the fifth inning. Greene's early exit raised immediate concerns about the severity of his injury, especially considering his history of injuries in previous seasons. Last year, he missed over a month due to right elbow soreness, and in 2023, he was sidelined for two months because of hip pain.
Greene's performance this season has been stellar, boasting a 2.36 ERA with a 4-2 record and 61 strikeouts over 45 2/3 innings pitched. His early-season success follows a breakout year in 2024, where he was selected as an All-Star for the first time and finished with a 9-5 record and a 2.75 ERA.
The Reds quickly established control of the game against the Braves, scoring two runs in the first inning. TJ Friedl opened the scoring with a home run to right-center field, followed by Matt McLain’s single that brought in another run. Friedl added another solo homer in the third inning, and Tyler Stephenson contributed a two-out RBI single to extend the lead to 4-0.
As the Reds celebrated their early advantage, the team also faced challenges off the field. Earlier on May 7, they placed third baseman Noelvi Marte on the injured list due to a left oblique sprain. This came on the heels of rookie Tyler Callihan breaking his right forearm, and outfielder Austin Hays suffering a left hamstring strain. Additionally, Jake Fraley was unavailable after undergoing an MRI on his left calf.
With Greene's status uncertain, the Reds will be closely monitoring his injury. If he is unable to take his next scheduled start against the White Sox on May 13, the most likely replacement would be right-hander Chase Petty. Petty made his major league debut last week but struggled in his first outing, allowing nine runs in just 2 1/3 innings. However, he rebounded with an impressive performance for Triple-A Louisville, tossing six no-hit innings.
The Reds' pitching depth has been a strength this season, entering the game against the Braves with a 3.63 ERA from their starters, the fifth-best mark in the National League. However, Greene's potential absence could test that depth as the team navigates through a tough stretch of injuries.
As the game progressed, the Reds managed to secure a 4-3 victory, snapping their four-game losing streak. While Greene's injury cast a shadow over the win, the team demonstrated resilience and determination, traits that will be crucial as they move forward in the season.
In conclusion, Hunter Greene's injury raises questions about the stability of the Reds' rotation moving forward. As fans await news on his condition, the team's ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be put to the test in the coming days.
