Hunter Greene Returns to Reds Rotation for June Playoff Push

The Cincinnati Reds are about to get a much-needed lift for their pitching staff. Hunter Greene is finally making his return to the starting rotation on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He’s been battling a stubborn right groin strain that’s kept him out since early June. The timing feels crucial, honestly, as the Reds are still clawing for a National League wild-card spot.

His rehab outings? Mixed bag, to be honest. Still, the team seems sure their hard-throwing ace can find his All-Star groove again and help push Cincinnati through this stretch run.

Hunter Greene’s Road Back to the Mound

Greene’s 2025 season has been a weird mix of highs and lows. Before the injury, the 26-year-old righty was in the middle of maybe his best run yet.

He put up a 4-3 record with a sharp 2.72 ERA over 11 starts. That electric fastball and nasty secondary stuff? It’s what got him his first All-Star nod in 2024 and was turning him into the rotation’s backbone.

Then came the groin strain — yeah, the same injury that benched him for two weeks in May. Early June, he landed back on the injured list.

Rehab Outings and Readiness

Greene made three starts for Triple-A Louisville on his way back. The numbers weren’t great: 11 runs in 11 innings.

But let’s be real, rehab is more about getting your legs under you and finding your mechanics again than it is about box scores. The Reds’ coaches paid most attention to his velocity, command, and whether he could pitch pain-free. He checked those boxes.

Why Greene’s Return Matters for the Reds’ Playoff Push

The Reds head into Wednesday’s game at 61-57, just 2½ games back of the Mets for the National League’s third wild-card spot. In a race like this, adding Greene’s arm really could swing things.

He can eat up innings, which not only deepens the rotation but also takes some heat off the bullpen. That’s huge, especially now.

Potential Impact on the Rotation

With Greene back, the Reds can basically hit reset on their pitching structure. Slotting him at the top eases the load on the younger guys and gives them a proven strikeout artist.

Earlier this year, Greene was regularly working six or more innings per start. That sort of consistency helps keep games winnable deep into the night.

A Look Back at Greene’s Career Trajectory

When the Reds drafted him, Greene came in as one of the most hyped pitching prospects in baseball. He’s steadily grown into a true front-line starter.

His first All-Star appearance in 2024 says a lot about how far he’s come. Statistically, he’s become one of the NL’s most intimidating arms.

He’s known for a fastball that touches triple digits and a slider that can just make hitters look silly. When he’s on, he can dominate even the best lineups.

Challenges Ahead

Coming back from a muscle strain isn’t exactly a walk in the park, though. The Reds will probably keep a close eye on Greene’s pitch count as he settles back into the majors.

There’s not much room for mistakes with the postseason on the line. His potential is sky-high, but staying healthy and sharp down the stretch will be the real test.

Key Factors to Watch Moving Forward

As Greene gets back into the rotation, a few things will shape the Reds’ chances this season.

• Consistency: Will Greene quickly find that dominance he had before the injury?
• Health Management: Can Cincinnati get the most out of him without risking his groin again?
• Playoff Race Dynamics: In a wild-card race this close, every start counts. Greene’s games could tip the scales for the Reds.

For Reds fans, Wednesday’s game against Philadelphia isn’t just another midweek matchup.

It’s the return of their ace and a shot of hope for the postseason chase.

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