Reds pitcher Hunter Greene is set for surgery today to remove bone chips from his right elbow, according to reports from the Cincinnati Enquirer. The team is optimistic he’ll return by July. He’ll be placed on the 60-day injured list to make space for other players.
Greene has dealt with elbow issues for a while. Even though he recently had a clean MRI on his ulnar collateral ligament, the pain in his elbow intensified during spring training. Doctors had been monitoring him since last season, when he experienced discomfort severe enough to require an injection. Unfortunately, the recent pain has led to the decision for surgery now.
Bone chips and spurs are not uncommon in professional pitchers. Many athletes push through these injuries, especially in a high-impact sport like baseball. This ongoing issue is frustrating for Reds fans, especially since Greene has been grappling with it since last season. Surgery is typically a last resort, which is why it took until now for doctors to recommend it.
Losing Greene is a significant blow to the Reds, who had high hopes for their starting rotation. He was expected to start on Opening Day, followed by talented pitchers like Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo. Greene’s injury opens the door for both Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, promising young players who were already generating buzz. With Greene sidelined, the Reds are adjusting quickly, naming Abbott as the Opening Day starter.
Greene, a former No. 2 overall draft pick, has excelled when healthy, boasting a 2.76 ERA and a striking 29.2% strikeout rate over the past two seasons. However, he has also missed time due to previous injuries. This upcoming surgery marks another tough chapter as he tries to regain his best form.
From a financial standpoint, Greene is in the fourth year of a six-year, $53 million extension. His salary this season is $8 million, with increases to $15 million and $16 million over the next two years. The Reds also have a club option for $21 million in 2029.
Experts suggest that injuries like Greene’s highlight the physical demands of professional sports. According to a recent study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, elbow injuries in pitchers are becoming more prevalent, underscoring the need for ongoing research and preventative measures.
As Greene recuperates, fans will be watching for updates. They hope for a swift recovery and a return to form, as the Reds aim to position themselves as strong contenders this season.
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