Reds get worrisome news about ex-All-Star Hunter Greene

Cincinnati Reds right-handed ace Hunter Greene is dealing with elbow discomfort, a worrisome sign for the 2024 All-Star. 

According to Fox 19 contributor Charlie Goldsmith, Greene dealt with elbow discomfort down the stretch last season, when the Reds twice gave him an extra day off.

In 2025, Greene missed time because of a right groin injury and only made 19 starts and threw 107.2 innings. He went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA, 132 strikeouts and one shutout.

Terry Francona says Hunter Greene is 'not recovering the way he feels comfortable'

"He’s just not recovering the way he’s comfortable,” Reds manager Terry Francona said Wednesday to Goldsmith. “The ball is coming out pretty good. You’re asking a guy to go out there and throw as hard as he can. We need to make sure he’s OK."

According to Goldsmith, Greene said Wednesday he has no UCL damage in his elbow. He will have an MRI this week. 

When healthy, Greene is one of the best in the business, with a four-seam fastball touching 100 mph and an impressive slider and a splitter. However, in his four years as a big-league starter, Greene has not made 30 starts or pitched more 155 innings in a season. In 2024, Greene had career highs in starts (26) and innings (150.1). 

Greene being out long term won’t affect his chances of getting paid, as he is under contract for the next three seasons ($39.9 million) and has a $21M club option for 2029. However, Greene’s inability to stay healthy could alter the Reds' plans.