The Cincinnati Redsexpect to learn more sometime Wednesday about the long-term prognosis of All-Star pitcher Hunter Greeneafter he undergoes surgery for his badly damaged elbow – specifically whether the extent of the surgery could sideline him all of next season.
Greene, who began experiencing soreness after his fifth start since returning from his first injured-list stretch this season, was to have the surgery in Los Angeles the morning of Aug. 12 with Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the operation.
If the damage is severe enough to require Tommy John reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament that is all but certain to mean Greene’s
return to the rotation would be pushed to at least early 2028. It would be the second Tommy John surgery of his professional career (also in the minors).
A less severe outcome could mean an internal brace procedure for the UCL that typically requires less rehab time but still would mean missing most of next season.
ElAttrache is to make the determination of which procedure is necessary after opening up the elbow and evaluating the level of damage, the Reds said.
Greene, a 2024 All-Star who had a 2.76 ERA and 16-9 record in 45 starts in 2024-25, didn’t debut this season until July 4 because of surgery in March to remove bone chips from the elbow.
He was 2-2 with a 6.83 ERA in five starts since then.
Greene is in the fourth season of a six-year, $53 million deal that pays $15 million next year and $16 million in 2028 (plus a $21 million club option for 2029 that has a $2 million buyout clause attached).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hunter Greene to have season-ending surgery Aug. 12. What it means
