Blow for Cincinnati: Hunter Greene undergoes a second Tommy John surgery
The Cincinnati Reds’ pitching staff is facing a significant and prolonged loss. Right-hander Hunter Greene has undergone a new Tommy John surgery with the goal of repairing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, a procedure that will keep him off the field for the remainder of the 2026 season and much, if not all, of the 2027 campaign.
This surgical intervention marks an unfortunate milestone in the 27-year-old pitcher’s career, as it is the second time he has had to undergo this operation; the first occurred in 2019 while he was still in the minor league system. Additionally, Greene’s medical history was affected this year following arthroscopic surgery performed in March to remove bone fragments in the same joint.
Chronology of a persistent injury
The situation became critical on August 4th, when the pitcher experienced significant discomfort during a bullpen session. After an initial evaluation by the team’s orthopedic surgeon, Tim Kremchek, and an MRI, the player sought a second opinion from specialist Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, confirming the need for surgery.
Nick Krall, Reds president of baseball operations, revealed that Greene had experienced intermittent pain weeks ago, which was not reported in a timely manner as it was considered linked to the rehabilitation process of his previous surgery.
A career marked by talent and injuries
Since his selection as the second overall pick in the 2017 Draft, Hunter Greene quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Cincinnati rotation. However, his time in the Major Leagues has been hampered by constant trips to the injured list, preventing him from achieving full consistency in his five-year professional career.
- 2024 (His best version): The pitcher achieved personal milestones with 150.1 innings, 26 starts, 169 strikeouts, and his first All-Star Game selection.
- 2025: He maintained an outstanding level with a 7-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 132 strikeouts in 107.2 innings, despite missing time due to a groin injury.
With this new setback, Greene begins a long recovery process that casts doubt on his immediate availability for the start of the 2028 season. For the Reds, the absence of one of their most dominant pieces represents a significant challenge to their competitive structure for the coming years.
