Full Breakdown
Hunter Greene Returns to Reds Rotation as Playoff Push Intensifies
7/5/2026, 5:02:35 AM
Season-Opening Activation
The Cincinnati Reds activated right-hander Hunter Greene from the 60-day injured list on Saturday, ending a three-month recovery from elbow surgery performed March 23. Greene, 26, is slated to start the weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles at Great American Ball Park, his first major-league appearance since a 6 1/3 -inning, 82-pitch rehab outing in Triple-A Louisville.
Context and Stakes
The Reds entered the three-game series in last place in the NL Central with a 40-46 record (some sources list 40-47) and are seven games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the third wild-card spot. The club has won three of its last ten games and is hitting .232 overall, with a .220 average with runners in scoring position, the lowest in MLB. Greene’s career record is 25-29 with a 3.65 ERA and 617 strikeouts; over the past two seasons he posted a 16-9 record, 2.76 ERA and 301 strikeouts in 258 innings, and his recent rehab comprised 14.1 innings, no runs, two hits and 13 strikeouts.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Terry Francona said Greene is healthy enough to return without workload limits. The team also optioned Chase Petty to Triple-A Louisville and designated Will Benson for assignment. Pitcher Trevor Rogers, who later threw five shutout innings, said the staff must “go on that run” to stay competitive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That's our mindset. I'm confident that I'll be a really good asset to that full picture.” — Hunter Greene, Reds pitcher
- “I think he's strong enough [and] stretched out enough, healthy enough, where we're going to get him back, not just in name only, but in production also,” — Terry Francona, Reds manager
- “Really excited, ready to go execute and get back to doing my job and be able to compete with the rest of my teammates and my brothers,” — Hunter Greene
- “That’s what it’s going to take for us to go on that run,” — Trevor Rogers, Reds pitcher
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the Reds’ record as 40-46 or 40-47. While some outlets announced Greene as the Saturday starter, the game recap credits Trevor Rogers with the win, leaving uncertainty about who actually pitched the opening innings.
What’s Next
After Greene’s debut, Cincinnati will finish a nine-game home stretch before the All-Star break, with the rotation featuring Burns, Abbott, Lodolo and a fifth starter, while hoping to boost offense for a wild-card push.
