Team decides to activate pitcher Hunter Greene from injury list, aiming to strengthen roster during playoff drive
Cincinnati Reds Bolster Playoff Push with Hunter Greene's Return
The Cincinnati Reds are making a strong push towards the postseason in 2025, and the return of starting pitcher Hunter Greene could be the key to their success. The former second overall pick has transformed into a potential ace for the Reds, and if healthy, he is a difference-making arm for their rotation.
Greene started the 2025 season as a potential National League Cy Young award candidate, showcasing dominant pitching before injuries sidelined him beginning in June. The Reds, who played their best baseball during his absence (33-26), are currently two games out from the National League Wild Card spot. They find themselves just behind the Mets, a key competitor.
The Reds are eager to have Greene return to the rotation to bolster their chances. He is scheduled for a start shortly after August 13, aligning with a critical stretch where the Mets have struggled, providing an opportunity for Cincinnati to gain ground.
Greene's elite pitching repertoire and ability to dominate lineups give the Reds a critical ace to enhance their rotation as they push for a postseason spot. Statistically, Greene is elite. Among pitchers with 150+ innings, his pitch quality (measured by Stuff+) ranks highest in the majors, with his slider (4th), splitter (9th), and fastball (11th). He has moved toward a fastball-slider-splitter mix, with his splitter particularly effective.
Recent performances underscore his dominance. In August 2025, he struck out 12 batters over 6⅓ innings against the Angels and recorded multiple starts with double-digit strikeouts, showcasing his elite strikeout ability and velocity, including a 100 mph fastball strikeout.
Greene has been rehabbing through the minor leagues in July 2025 and posted strong stats (2.55 ERA, 1.02 WHIP in his last 7 games before injury, including 48 strikeouts in 35.1 innings), indicating he is ready to return to form.
Meanwhile, the Reds have made other moves to strengthen their team. They hired manager Terry Francona to help transform their large amount of young talent into a playoff contender. Francona has helped the Reds so far in their pursuit of a postseason berth, and his team is aiming to make it back to October for the first time in five years.
The Reds have also added pitchers like Brady Singer last winter and Zack Littell a couple of weeks ago to their roster. If the Reds perform well on the field, they might finally achieve their long-awaited October dreams.
However, the Reds will face a tough challenge if they manage to clinch the Wild Card spot, with a potential matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers looming. The Mets' hold on the Wild Card spot is considered tenuous, as they have recently lost seven games in a row before their win last night.
In summary, the return of Hunter Greene and the addition of talented players like Terry Francona and Brady Singer give the Reds a strong chance at making the postseason in 2025. If they can maintain their momentum and overcome their rivals, they could finally break their five-year playoff drought and make a deep run in October.
Rumors of the Cincinnati Reds' potential postseason dominance heightened with the return of ace pitcher Hunter Greene, as he aims to propel the team towards the playoffs. With impressive stats, such as a top-ranking Stuff+ pitch quality and multiple double-digit strikeouts, Greene's return is expected to bolster the Reds' rotation during the playoffs, according to sports analysts. The Reds, now led by manager Terry Francona, have been fortifying their team with the addition of talented pitchers like Brady Singer, setting their sights on challenging the MLB playoffs and ending their five-year playoff drought.
