Reds Ace Hunter Greene Leaves Spring Training with Elbow Injury Concern

The young star pitcher will undergo medical evaluations after reporting right elbow stiffness.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene is departing spring training camp to seek medical evaluations for what the team called right elbow stiffness. The 22-year-old pitcher is scheduled to see the team doctor and a specialist in Los Angeles in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury.

Why it matters

Greene is considered one of the top young pitchers in baseball, and his potential injury is a major concern for the Reds as they look to build on their 2025 playoff appearance. The team has depth in the starting rotation, but losing Greene would be a significant blow to their hopes for the 2026 season.

The details

Greene started one Cactus League game on Feb. 28 and was scheduled for a bullpen session on March 3, but reported stiffness in his right elbow after waking up that morning. The Reds are sending him to see team doctor Timothy Kremchek on March 6 and specialist Neal ElAttrache on March 9, and he will also undergo an MRI. Reds manager Terry Francona said the team wants to 'make sure he's OK' before determining Greene's availability for Opening Day on March 28.

  • On Feb. 28, Greene started one Cactus League game.
  • On March 3, Greene reported elbow stiffness after a scheduled bullpen session.
  • On March 6, Greene will see team doctor Timothy Kremchek.
  • On March 9, Greene will consult with specialist Neal ElAttrache.
  • On March 10, the Reds expect to have more information on Greene's status.

The players

Hunter Greene

A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher and ace of the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Nick Krall

The President of Baseball Operations for the Cincinnati Reds.

Timothy Kremchek

An orthopedic surgeon and the longtime team doctor for the Cincinnati Reds.

Neal ElAttrache

A Los Angeles-based physician that Greene will consult with.

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What they’re saying

“He's just not recovering the way, I think, he's comfortable and the ball's coming pretty good, as we saw, but we need to get this − you're asking the guy to go out there and throw as hard as he can. We need to make sure he's OK, so we'll have information, probably, Tuesday.”

— Terry Francona, Manager (Cincinnati Enquirer)

“My last five or six starts (in 2025), I had elbow discomfort and obviously, playoff push, so I pushed through it. Felt fine in the offseason. Got an injection about a week before spring training started. Discomfort came back so I've been managing it through camp so far, so we're gonna go check it. Get it looked at.”

— Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Enquirer)

What’s next

The Reds will have more information on Greene's status after he sees Dr. ElAttrache on March 9. The team has not reached out to any free agent starting pitchers yet as a contingency plan.

The takeaway

This injury to the Reds' young ace is a major concern as the team looks to build on its 2025 playoff appearance. While the Reds have depth in the rotation, losing Greene would be a significant blow and could impact their chances of contending in 2026.