Hunter Greene Defends Himself Against Critics
In a candid exchange with Bob Nightengale, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene confronted the swirling rumors and speculation surrounding his injury management from last season. Greene, who faced a groin injury that sidelined him for a significant period, found himself at the center of scrutiny as he navigated his recovery.
Injury Controversy
The controversy ignited when Greene, after suffering a second groin injury, was forced to cancel a rehab assignment on July 7 due to persistent symptoms, despite having a clean MRI. The comments from Reds beat writer Mark Sheldon did not hold back, suggesting it was Greene’s responsibility to determine his readiness to return. “For a guy with a long-term contract who says he wants to be a leader, Greene needs to start showing it and get back on the field,” Sheldon wrote, implying that the young ace’s commitment was in question.
Greene’s reaction was one of indignation. “There were some people and chatter about questioning my timing of coming back,” he stated. The notion that he was “milking it” or deliberately delaying his return struck him as “disrespectful” and “disingenuous.”
A Strong Comeback
After clearing the air, Greene returned to the mound on August 13 and quickly reinstated his dominance, making eight starts to close out the season. In this impressive stretch, he posted a 2.81 ERA while racking up 59 strikeouts over 48 innings. “My mind would never let me take a break or remove myself from the team while the rest of my teammates are grinding through the season,” Greene asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the Reds.
He also reflected on his long-term commitment to the franchise, expressing his desire to bring winning baseball back to Cincinnati. “Let’s just talk about the pure sentiment of me signing the extension, wanting to be a Cincinnati Red,” Greene emphasized, reinforcing his dedication to the team.
The Reds’ Confidence in Greene
Despite the criticisms, it was evident that the Reds were not considering trading their 26-year-old ace, who remains under contract through the 2029 season. Reds manager Terry Francona expressed confidence in Greene’s abilities and the team’s pitching staff. “I don’t think those things are going to happen,” Francona stated, highlighting the importance of keeping Greene healthy. He acknowledged the development of other pitchers, such as Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott, but recognized Greene as a core piece of their rotation.
With the speculation behind him, Greene can now focus entirely on the upcoming 2026 season. He aims to lead the Reds back to the postseason for a second consecutive year, determined to prove his worth and silence the doubters.
