Reds Accelerate Hunter Greene Return Timeline After Bone Chip Surgery, But Pitcher Has Repeated Injury History

The Cincinnati Reds have moved up their timetable for right-hander Hunter Greene's return, with the team hopeful their ace can be back before the All-Star break in July. Greene had bone chips removed on March 11. Cincinnati initially expected him to be sidelined 14 to 16 weeks after the procedure.

He is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Monday, manager Terry Francona told reporters on Saturday, and could soon begin a minor league rehab assignment. 76 ERA last season but was limited to 19 starts and 107⅔ innings as the Reds earned their first playoff appearance since 2020.

5 mph average four-seam fastball velocity led the major leagues among pitchers throwing at least 1,250 pitches, and he threw 296 pitches of 100 mph or higher, second only to Mason Miller's 422.

Greene was the Reds' Opening Day starter in 2023 and 2025. 75 ERA in 26 starts and recording 169 strikeouts in 150⅓ innings. He spent time on the injured list that year with elbow soreness and had two stints on the IL in 2025.

He added more lower-body work to his offseason routine this year in an effort to avoid further injuries. Francona also said on Saturday that shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who is on the injured list with a hamstring strain, will have his next MRI on June 12. That date is three days earlier than the Reds had initially planned when they provided a two- to four-week timeline for his return.

The article was published on June 6, 2026.