Cincinnati Reds: Hunter Greene puts Triple-A on notice

Hunter Greene was clearly more than Double-A could handle. Despite having not pitched since 2018 due to Tommy John surgery and the pandemic, Greene absolutely dominated in his 41 innings. The Cincinnati Reds moved him up the next rung on the ladder, sending him to Triple-A to continue his development.

It did not take long for Greene to put Triple-A on notice. He did just that by firing a 104 MPH fastball – as a starting pitcher.

Hunter Greene may force Cincinnati Reds hand soon

Greene was not exactly challenged prior to his promotion. He had posted a 1.98 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP in his 41 innings, issuing 14 walks while striking out 60 batters. Even when the opposition made contact, his stuff was hard to square up as he allowed just two homers.

But Triple-A was supposed to be a challenge. He would be facing off against players that had major league experience and were looking to get back to the bigs. Even if Double-A is considered to be the ultimate proving ground for prospects, Greene would have to prove himself at the next level before making the ultimate jump.

His Triple-A debut did not go as planned. While he struck out eight batters over his four innings, blowing his fastball past the Omaha StormChasers, what little contact they made traveled a long way. He allowed four hits, all of which left the yard. Three of those homers came in the first before he settled in.

Although the results may not have been what the Reds had hoped for, they had to be encouraged with how he bounced back. If his final three innings are more of an indication as to how he will fare in Louisville, he may force the Reds hand and get that call to the majors.

Hunter Greene may not have had the Triple-A debut he wanted, but he still impressed with his velocity. That 104 MPH fastball put the league on notice.