Reds' Ace Hunter Greene Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Out Up to 4 Months

The 26-year-old pitcher will miss the start of the 2026 MLB season due to bone chips and loose bodies in his right elbow.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Cincinnati Reds' ace pitcher Hunter Greene is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right elbow and could miss up to the first four months of the 2026 MLB season. The Reds said 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 one of the Reds' top pitchers and a key part of their rotation. His absence for a significant portion of the season will be a major blow to the team's playoff hopes, as they look to build on their 2025 NL Wild Card appearance.

The details

Greene, whose 99.5 mph average four-seam fastball velocity led the major leagues among those throwing at least 1,250 pitches in 2025, was limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings last season due to a right groin strain. He made the NL All-Star team in 2024 while going 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts.

  • 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, who will be without their ace pitcher Hunter Greene for a significant portion of the 2026 season due to his elbow injury.

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What’s next

The Reds will need to determine how they will fill the void in their rotation during Greene's absence, which could include promoting prospects or seeking a trade or free agent signing.

The takeaway

This injury to the Reds' young ace is a significant setback for the team as they look to build on their 2025 playoff appearance. Greene's recovery and return will be closely watched, as the Reds hope to have their hard-throwing right-hander back at full strength later in the 2026 season.