Hunter Greene’s Elbow Stiffness Raises Concerns for Reds Ahead of 2026 Season

Hunter Greene, the Cincinnati Reds’ ace and a former #2 overall draft pick, has been a beacon of hope for the franchise. After starting on Opening Day in both 2023 and 2025, expectations were high for him to take the mound once again in 2026. However, the optimism surrounding Greene’s season has taken a hit following news of stiffness in his right elbow, an issue that has persisted since last fall.

Mark Sheldon of Reds.com reported that Greene is scheduled to undergo an MRI after experiencing pain in his elbow following his first spring training start. While Greene remains hopeful that the situation isn’t serious, he acknowledged the presence of bone spurs and mentioned he received an injection during the offseason due to discomfort that lingered from the 2025 season.

The Reds boast a deep rotation, having welcomed back Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and Julian Aguiar, who missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to injuries. Despite this depth, Greene’s unique talent makes him irreplaceable, and his absence, even for a short period, could be felt significantly.

The timeline for Greene’s recovery is uncertain, hinging on the results of the MRI. If the diagnosis indicates that rest is all that’s needed, it would still place him at a disadvantage as he works to prepare for Opening Day. More concerning outcomes could derail his chances of contributing early in the season.

Last year, Greene pitched only 107 innings and has surpassed 150 innings in a season just once. The Reds are likely to proceed cautiously with him, aiming to ensure he is healthy enough to pitch deep into the playoffs. This cautious approach may delay his return, potentially sidelining him for the first few weeks or even the entire month of the season.

With options like Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Chase Burns, Lowder, Williamson, Aguiar, and Chase Petty available, the Reds can afford to be patient with Greene’s recovery. Nonetheless, there were high hopes for 2026 to be a breakout year for him, one where he could finally shake off the injury struggles and emerge as a contender for the Cy Young Award. Now, those aspirations face an unexpected hurdle.

As the Reds navigate this situation, the priority remains clear: Hunter Greene’s health comes first. The team and fans alike are hoping for a swift recovery, but also recognize the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure he returns at full strength.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.