Reds Ace Hunter Greene Heads to the Injured List

In a disappointing turn of events, Cincinnati Reds' star pitcher Hunter Greene is set to be placed on the injured list due to a grade 1 right groin strain. Manager Terry Francona revealed that this necessary move will likely occur before Greene's next scheduled start, despite the team not rushing the official placement.

The Injury That Caught Everyone's Attention

Greene's injury comes after a concerning performance in which he left Monday night’s game after just three innings. Although he initially returned to warm up for the fourth inning, he quickly called for a trainer and was taken out. A subsequent MRI confirmed the groin strain, leading to his impending absence.

Impact on the Reds’ Season

With an impressive 2.36 earned run average across his eight starts this season, Greene’s departure is a significant blow for the 19-19 Reds, as they struggle to stay competitive in the National League. Not only does losing their ace deny them a formidable presence on the mound, but it also puts extra pressure on their rotation.

Who Will Step Up?

In Greene's absence, the Reds will rely on Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, Brady Singer, and Andrew Abbott for their next series of games. Luckily, the team has a day off after their recent outing, allowing them to use these pitchers in a regular rotation for now. However, they need a contingency plan moving forward.

Potential Replacement Pitchers

Chase Petty, who is on the 40-man roster and has already made his major league debut this season, could be an immediate candidate for recall. Meanwhile, Rhett Lowder has been sidelined all year with a forearm strain and is still weeks away from being ready. The Reds also have veteran Wade Miley in the system on a minor league deal, but his recent rehab stint has been hampered by a groin issue, leaving his availability uncertain.

The Road Ahead for the Reds

As the Reds navigate the challenges posed by Greene’s injury, they are left to devise creative solutions such as bullpen games or bringing up alternate players from the minors. The next few weeks will be crucial as they strive to remain competitive in the league without their ace. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to this unexpected setback.