Reds' Ace Hunter Greene to Undergo Elbow Surgery, Could Miss Up to 4 Months

The 26-year-old pitcher was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his right elbow.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Cincinnati Reds' ace Hunter Greene is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right elbow on Wednesday and could miss up to the first four months of the 2026 MLB season. Greene was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his elbow after leaving spring training camp due to right elbow stiffness.

Why it matters

Greene is a rising star in the league, having made the NL All-Star team in 2024 and leading the majors in average four-seam fastball velocity. His extended absence will be a significant blow to the Reds' pitching rotation and playoff hopes for the upcoming season.

The details

Greene went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA last year, helping the Reds earn an NL wild card berth. However, he was limited to just 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings due to injuries, including a right groin strain that sidelined him for over two months. The 26-year-old is entering his fifth big league season and was expected to anchor the Reds' rotation in 2026.

  • Greene is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.
  • Greene could miss up to the first four months of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Hunter Greene

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his right elbow.

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that earned an NL wild card berth in 2025 with Greene as a key part of their pitching rotation.

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What’s next

The Reds will need to determine how to fill the void in their rotation during Greene's extended absence, likely turning to other young pitchers or exploring trade options.

The takeaway

This injury setback for the Reds' young ace highlights the fragility of pitchers' arms and the challenges teams face in developing and maintaining a consistent, healthy starting rotation over the course of a long MLB season.