Cincinnati Pitcher Hunter Greene Faces 4-Month Recovery After Elbow Surgery

Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Hunter Greene will undergo elbow surgery Wednesday and could be sidelined for up to four months. The 26-year-old All-Star was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his throwing arm after experiencing stiffness during spring training.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Hunter Greene faces a lengthy recovery period after being scheduled for elbow surgery on Wednesday, with doctors estimating he could be out of action for as long as four months into the season.

Medical staff discovered bone chips and loose bodies in Greene’s throwing arm after the 26-year-old left spring training last week complaining of elbow stiffness that required an MRI examination.

The right-hander posted a 7-4 record with a 2.76 earned run average during the previous season, playing a key role in Cincinnati’s successful bid for a National League wild card spot and their first postseason berth since 2020.

Despite being restricted to just 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings pitched — both career lows — Greene’s blazing fastball averaged 99.5 mph, topping all major league pitchers who threw at least 1,250 pitches. His 296 pitches clocked at 100 mph or faster ranked second league-wide, trailing only Mason Miller’s 422.

Injuries plagued Greene’s previous campaign when he was sidelined on May 9 with a right groin strain. After returning on May 23 for three starts, the same injury forced him back onto the injured list until August 13.

Now in his fifth major league season, Greene earned his first NL All-Star selection in 2024, compiling a 9-5 record with a 2.75 ERA across 26 starts. He struck out 169 batters in 150 1/3 innings despite missing time that year due to elbow discomfort.