Reds' Hunter Greene to Undergo MRI on Stiff Right Elbow; Opening Day in Doubt

Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene left spring training in early March 2026 due to right elbow stiffness and is scheduled to undergo an MRI and further evaluation. Greene woke up with discomfort on March 3—the day he was set for a side bullpen session—and was sent for imaging and examination. Manager David Bell said Greene would not throw again that week, and the team expected to have more information by Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Greene’s availability for Opening Day is uncertain.

Greene confirmed that his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is intact, though he acknowledged bone spurs in his elbow that he has been aware of from past issues; surgery has not been recommended to date. He is being examined by Reds orthopedic consultant Dr. Timothy Kremchek and will get a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ team physician. The stiffness traces back to late in the 2025 season, when Greene dealt with elbow discomfort but continued to pitch through the Reds’ playoff push. He received an injection about a week before spring training; the discomfort returned once camp began.

When healthy, Greene has been one of the most electric arms in the game—2.76 ERA and a 29.2% strikeout rate in recent seasons—but durability has been a concern. He made only 19 starts and 107⅔ innings in 2025. The Reds have rotation depth with several arms returning from 2025 injuries, which allows them to be patient with his recovery rather than rush him for Opening Day. Greene said his goal is to address any issue early: “If something has to be done, it’s early and we’ll get it out of the way quick and can have the big chunk of the season.”

For AthX users, Greene’s injury adds uncertainty to a high-upside, high-risk profile. Dynamic pricing responds to playing time and results; a delayed or shortened start to 2026 would weigh on his share price until he returns. Monitor the MRI results and any timeline from the Reds before adjusting portfolio exposure to Reds rotation arms.

*Sources: MLB Trade Rumors – Hunter Greene To Undergo MRI On Right Elbow; ESPN – Reds ace Hunter Greene to have MRI on stiff right elbow; Cincinnati.com – Reds pitcher Hunter Greene leaves spring training with elbow stiffness. Fact-checked March 10, 2026.*