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Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene impressive in return to mound

By David Hill

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (79) returns tot he dugout after the third out of the top of the first inning of the MLB Cactus League Spring Training game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz., on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.Los Angeles Angels At Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (79) returns tot he dugout after the third out of the top of the first inning of the MLB Cactus League Spring Training game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz., on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.Los Angeles Angels At Cincinnati Reds /
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The Cincinnati Reds have not seen Hunter Greene on the mound since July 26, 2018. The former consensus top 100 prospect saw his season end early that year due to a sprained elbow, and eventually underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019. The pandemic wiped out last year’s minor league campaign, and with that long layoff, it was fair to wonder how he would perform.

Greene emphatically answered those questions on Wednesday. The velocity is still there, to the point where he set a professional record for fastballs over 100 MPH in a single game.

Hunter Greene shows promise for Cincinnati Reds

Greene had been considered a top prospect for years, both as a shortstop and pitcher. The Reds selected him with the second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, with plans to keep him primarily on the mound. While he had 30 plate appearances that season, he did not get any at bats during the 2018 campaign.

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He showed the talent that made him such a hyped prospect entering the draft in that 2018 campaign. Although his 4.48 ERA and 1.302 WHiP may have disappointed, he showed his electric stuff as he notched 89 strikeouts in 68.1 innings. Greene was also 18 years old and pitching in full season ball, making his overall body of work more impressive.

That electric arm and high velocity fastball made his outing on Wednesday all the more fascinting. With that time off, it was fair to wonder if he would have the same dominating stuff. Greene answered that question the best way he could, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out eight over five innings in his Double-A debut. His command was even more impressive as he hit his spots and did not issue a single walk.

Ultimately, Greene’s velocity will get the headlines. It is easy to understand why in the wake of his record setting performance. But the velocity does not matter if it cannot be controlled. Greene’s ability to command his stuff, and not walk a single batter, may be more impressive to the Reds that the readings on the radar gun.

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It had been over two years since Hunter Greene took the mound. On Wednesday, he showed why he could be a future ace for the Cincinnati Reds.

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