reds ace hunter green Manager Terry Francona told reporters at Reds camp this morning that he was heading for an MRI after experiencing stiffness in his right elbow. Greene himself said the injury dates back to late last season (link: Charlie Goldsmith). He was recommended to get the shot and had a normal offseason, but recently told the Reds beat that the discomfort has gotten worse again. Greene will be examined by longtime team physician Timothy Kremchek and receive a second opinion by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. He said recent tests showed no damage to the ulnar collateral ligament, but news of the new imaging tests would essentially cause concern until the results are known.
In his comments, Greene acknowledged that, like many big league pitchers, he has bony elbows. He appears to have explored the problem in the past and surgery is not recommended as an option at this time. The right-hander won’t be sure whether he’ll be available for his first start of the season.
“If there’s something that needs to be done, if it’s still early, we can get it done quickly and make it a big part of the season,” Greene said this morning. “I’m ready to play once we make the playoffs.”
Even Greene’s brief absence is a bitter pill to swallow for the Reds. The former No. 2 overall draft pick has been one of the best pitchers on a percentage basis over the past two seasons, but missed significant time due to a pair of groin injuries in 2025 and some elbow discomfort in 2024. He has started 45 games over the last two seasons, posting a 2.76 ERA, 29.2% strikeout rate, 8.1% walk rate, and 33.5% ground ball rate. His swing-strike rate of 15.4% last season was fourth-worst in MLB (minimum 100 innings pitched). Tarik Skubal, stop dylan and logan gilbert.
Green is entering the fourth season of a six-year, $53 million contract extension. The 26-year-old will earn $8 million this season and $15 million and $16 million in 2027-28. The Reds hold a $21 million club option (including a $2 million buyout) for the 2029 season.
Greene’s rise to status represents a major blow to one of the more powerful-looking rotations in the sport. Cincinnati can still play Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, brady singer And the best prospect chase burns (2nd place in 2024) And let lowder (No. 7 pick in 2023) But neither Burns nor Lowder have fully established themselves in the majors yet. Lowder pitched only 9 1/3 frames in the minor leagues last year due to forearm, oblique and shoulder issues.
Depth options on Cincinnati’s 40-man roster include another former first-rounder. chase pettyAnd two prospects returning from previous injuries: righty Julian Agiar and left handed Brandon Williamson. The Reds also selected the right-hander. Jose Franco He was placed on the 40-man roster last November to protect him from the 2025 Rule 5 draft. He pitched 110 innings between Double A (2.76 ERA) and Triple A (3.51 ERA) last season, recording an ERA of 3.11.
Of course, there are some notable starters remaining in free agency. Lucas Giolito and fellow right-wingers Jack Littell — The latter finished the 2026 season in Cincinnati and remains unsigned. Veterans include: Tyler Anderson, patrick corbin and old friend Anthony Desclafani It will be a cheaper depth pursuit.
However, president of baseball operations Nick Krall told Goldsmith that even if Greene misses time, he does not expect to sign a free agent to fill the void. This may open the door to some replenishment through waivers and trade activity, but the Reds’ 2026 payroll is already expected to be higher than it was in 2025, so the team may not have much budget room to make adjustments after already spending more than $47 million on free agents.
