Full Breakdown
Hunter Greene’s Second Tommy John Surgery Ends His 2026 Season and Likely 2027
8/14/2026, 1:56:06 AM
The Surgery and Immediate Outlook
The Cincinnati Reds have announced that right-hander Hunter Greene is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery on August 13, 2026. Team officials say the procedure will address a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament and that a 12- to 18-month rehabilitation period is expected. Consequently, Greene will miss the remainder of the 2026 campaign and is projected to be unavailable for the entire 2027 season, with a realistic return only by spring training 2028.
Background & Context
Greene was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft and rose through the Reds’ farm system. He underwent his first Tommy John reconstruction in 2019 while still a minor-league prospect. After returning to the majors in 2022, Greene earned an All-Star selection in 2024 and posted a 2.75 ERA over 150 1/3 innings that year. In April 2023 he signed a six-year, $53 million contract extension that runs through 2028 and includes a $21 million club option for 2029.
Performance This Season
Greene’s 2026 season was limited to five starts after returning from an earlier arthroscopic elbow procedure. He logged 27 2/3 innings, posted a 6.83 ERA, recorded 33 strikeouts against 9 walks, and compiled a 2-2 win–loss record. Over his career to date, he has amassed 650 strikeouts in 523 1/3 innings, a WAR of 12.8, and an ERA+ of 117.
Financial and Roster Implications
Greene’s contract guarantees him a minimum of roughly $34 million through 2028, plus the balance of his $8.33 million salary for 2026. The 2027 season will still carry a $15 million salary despite his absence, a notable burden for a franchise that traditionally operates with a modest payroll. On the field, the Reds have slipped to a 57-62 record with a -78 run differential, trailing only the Colorado Rockies among National League teams. With Greene sidelined, the rotation now leans on All-Star right-hander Chase Burns and emerging arms such as Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott.
Official Statements & Responses
Both executives acknowledged the setback but stressed that the organization will continue to evaluate its rotation options throughout the remainder of the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It kind of depends on who’s filling in,” — Terry Francona, manager
- “He said he was sore off and on for a couple of weeks,” — Nick Krall
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Greene’s surgery has already been performed. Several outlets describe the operation as completed on a Wednesday in early August, while the date ledger classifies August 13, 2026 as a scheduled event. No source provides a definitive post-surgery medical report, leaving the exact nature of the ligament damage and the precise timeline for return unconfirmed.
What’s Next
The Reds anticipate a 12- to 18-month recovery window, meaning Greene’s first meaningful mound work is unlikely before the 2028 spring training period. In the interim, Cincinnati must address a rotation gap and manage a sizable salary commitment. The club’s offseason strategy will likely focus on acquiring controllable pitching depth while monitoring Greene’s rehabilitation progress.
