Reds get terrible news on starter Hunter Greene

The Cincinnati Reds have received troublesome injury news regarding right-hander Hunter Greene, who will miss Opening Day and may not return until July. 

On Tuesday, USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale posted on X that Greene is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to remove bone chips and loose bodies from his right elbow. 

Greene has dealt with discomfort in his right elbow since early March. He dealt with the issue near the end of last season, too.  

The former All-Star (2024) made one start this spring — allowing four earned runs on five hits and a walk — before getting shut down.

Hunter Greene’s injury limits the Reds' options for the starting rotation

Because of Greene's health woes, manager Terry Francona turned to left-hander Andrew Abbott to pitch against the Boston Red Sox at home on Opening Day (March 26). The Red Sox will counter with their ace, left-hander Garrett Crochet, who finished second in the American League Cy Young Award voting in 2025.

With Greene out possibly until July, Francona’s options for the starting rotation are Abbott, left-handers Nick Lodolo and Brandon Williamson and right-handers Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns. 

Abbott (166.1 innings in 2025), Singer (169.2) and Lodolo (156.2) proved to be innings-eaters last season; Burns logged 43.1 innings, while Lowder (right forearm strain in 2025) and Williamson (UCL reconstruction in 2025) dealt with injuries.

The Reds could add more depth in the starting rotation

Because of Greene's situation, the Reds could sign another starter. Right-hander Lucas Giolito and left-hander Nestor Cortes remain available on the free-agent market and could give Cincinnati a veteran option for the rotation.

Greene’s injury could hurt the Reds’ chances of competing with powerhouses Milwaukee and Chicago in the National League Central.

Cincinnati slipped into the playoffs last season after the New York Mets collapsed down the stretch (28-37 post All-Star break). Adding another arm would help the Reds stay afloat if another starter goes down or someone in the rotation struggles.