Latest News on Hunter Greene's Elbow Injury Return Timeline for Reds After Surgery Decision

One week after undergoing an MRI due to elbow stiffness, Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene could miss at least half of the 2026 season following surgery to repair the injury.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall told reporters on Tuesday that Greene was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his elbow that will require an arthroscopic procedure to correct.

The recovery timeline is 14-16 weeks, which will keep Greene out of action until at least June.

Krall added that Greene was experiencing elbow discomfort back in October, but he didn't have surgery because the recommendation from Dr. Neal ElAttrache at that point was an injection to alleviate the symptoms.

Greene discussed the situation in a statement on social media:

Reds manager Terry Francona announced on March 4 that Greene was leaving camp to undergo an MRI due to right elbow stiffness.

Greene indicated at the time that the problems dated back to last season, but he was hopeful it wouldn't be a long-term issue.

The upside is this doesn't sound like a season-ending situation for Greene. Unfortunately, it does potentially wipe out roughly half of the season for one of the best young pitchers in MLB.

On a positive note, starting pitching is the area of strength for Cincinnati's roster going into 2026. The Reds' starting staff produced the second-most WAR in MLB last season (16.1), behind only the Philadelphia Phillies (21.5).

Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer and Nick Lodolo are all back from that 2025 group. Chase Burns, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, entered camp with a shot to secure the fifth spot. He has struggled so far this spring with a 5.63 ERA, 11 strikeouts and six walks over eight innings in three appearances.

Rhett Lowder might be the safest bet to win a job out of camp. The 24-year-old had a 1.80 ERA through his first two spring starts before allowing five runs (three earned) on Monday against the Athletics.

The absence of Greene might force the Reds to squeeze Burns onto the 26-man roster, but Brandon Williamson is another option for the No. 5 spot.

A healthy Greene is a Cy Young contender in the NL. He finished eighth in Cy Young voting two years ago after posting a 2.75 ERA in 150.1 innings.

Greene dealt with a groin injury last season that required two stints on the IL. He still had an impressive campaign with a 2.76 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 107.2 innings to help the Reds make the playoffs as a wild card.