Reds starter Hunter Greene's future in doubt in wake of latest injury blow

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Reds starter Hunter Greene's future in doubt in wake of latest injury blow

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 7, 2026 6:35 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene's 2026 season is over. The hard-throwing right-hander will undergo season-ending elbow surgery to repair a partially torn UCL.

Greene will now be slated for his third elbow surgery. He had Tommy John surgery in 2019, and an IL stint in March after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow.

It's an unfortunate blow for the 27-year-old, who had a 6.83 ERA across just five starts this season. The struggles were uncharacteristic of Greene, who has recorded back-to-back seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA with the Reds in 2024 and 2025.

Greene could have been an appealing trade candidate, but his injury-riddled season prevented any potential deal.

New on Reds from Nick Krall: Hunter Greene will have right elbow surgery around the ligament after seeking second opinion. Extent/specifics of the surgery won’t be known until the operation begins.
— Pat Brennan (@PBrennanENQ) August 7, 2026

Hunter Greene's injury-riddled season clouds his future

Greene's career could be in doubt. Undergoing two surgeries during the same season is a tough break for Greene, who is an elite arm when healthy.

Greene put together a successful 2025 campaign with the Reds, sporting a 2.76 ERA and was their Opening Day starter. Green is under club control through the 2028 season with an option for 2029, which means the Reds will cautiously manage his recovery rather than rushing him back.

Overall, it's a brutal blow for the Reds will need to battle for a wild-card spot without their established starter whose injury history dates back to 2018 (UCL sprain). While he could have been a top offseason trade target, his latest injury impacts his value.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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