Hunter Greene, the Cincinnati Reds’ ace pitcher, exited Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the fourth inning due to a right groin injury. While warming up to start the inning, Greene appeared to experience discomfort and signaled to the dugout.
Manager Terry Francona and a trainer promptly visited the mound, and Greene was removed from the game after a brief consultation. Prior to the injury, Greene had delivered three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and recording six strikeouts .
Following the game, Francona expressed cautious optimism, stating that while any injury is concerning, it might not be serious. He mentioned that Greene would undergo further evaluation the following morning. Greene, 25, has been a key contributor to the Reds’ pitching staff, boasting a 4-2 record with a 2.36 ERA and 61 strikeouts in eight starts this season .
This injury raises concerns, especially considering Greene’s history with injuries. In 2023, he missed a significant portion of the season due to issues with his right hip and leg. The current injury involves the same leg, leading to questions about whether the two are related. The Reds are hopeful that this is a minor setback and that Greene will return to the mound soon.
In the meantime, the Reds managed to secure a 4-3 victory over the Braves, snapping a four-game losing streak. Outfielder TJ Friedl provided the offensive spark, hitting two solo home runs. Relief pitcher Brent Suter earned the win, and closer Emilio Pagan secured his ninth save of the season .
The Reds’ pitching staff will need to adjust in Greene’s absence. The team has not yet announced a corresponding move or a timeline for Greene’s return. The Reds are hopeful that this is a short-term issue and that Greene will be back in the rotation soon.
As the Reds continue their season, they will monitor Greene’s recovery closely. The team remains optimistic about his return and the impact he can have on their pitching staff moving forward.
