Reds Ace Hunter Greene Out Until July: Bone Chip Surgery and Recovery

The young Reds pitcher will miss significant time after undergoing elbow surgery to remove a bone chip.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:10pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the complexity and difficulty of recovering from a significant injury.A cubist interpretation of a young pitcher's injured throwing motion, reflecting the fragility of elite arms and the challenges of recovering from setbacks.Rohnert Park Today

Cincinnati Reds ace pitcher Hunter Greene will be sidelined until at least July after undergoing surgery to remove a bone chip from his elbow. The 22-year-old right-hander, considered one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball, is expected to miss 3-4 months as he recovers from the procedure and rebuilds his arm strength. The Reds will have to adjust their pitching rotation and bullpen plans for the first half of the 2026 season as a result of Greene's injury.

Why it matters

Greene's injury is a significant setback for the Reds, who are hoping to contend in the NL Central this season. The young flamethrower was expected to anchor their rotation and provide a boost to a team that has struggled to develop consistent starting pitching in recent years. His absence will put more pressure on the rest of the Reds' staff and could impact the team's playoff hopes if he is not able to return at full strength.

The details

According to the Reds, Greene experienced discomfort in his right elbow during a recent bullpen session and underwent further testing that revealed a small bone chip. The team's medical staff decided surgery was the best course of action to address the issue and prevent further complications. The procedure was performed earlier this week, and Greene is now beginning the rehabilitation process with the goal of returning to the mound in July.

  • Greene experienced elbow discomfort during a bullpen session in early April 2026.
  • Greene underwent surgery to remove a bone chip from his right elbow on April 10, 2026.
  • The Reds expect Greene to miss 3-4 months as he recovers from the surgery and rebuilds his arm strength.

The players

Hunter Greene

A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, considered one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball.

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, who are hoping to contend in the NL Central division this season.

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What they’re saying

“Losing Hunter for a significant stretch is a big blow, but we have confidence in the rest of our pitching staff to step up and keep us competitive while he recovers.”

— David Bell, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The Reds will monitor Greene's recovery progress over the next few months, with the goal of having him back on the mound by July. In the meantime, the team will need to rely on their other starting pitchers to fill the void left by Greene's absence.

The takeaway

Hunter Greene's injury is a setback for the Reds, but it also highlights the fragility of young pitching arms and the importance of depth in a team's rotation. The Reds will need to carefully manage Greene's recovery to ensure he returns at full strength, while also finding ways to remain competitive in the NL Central without their top starter.