Reds Place Flame-Throwing Rookie On Injured List

Despite having just pitched one of his best games of the season, Cincinnati Reds fireballing rookie Hunter Greene has been forced to the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday, with a shoulder strain. 

The 22-year-old has had an up-and-down season, with flashes of electric brilliance, combined with allowing 23 home runs, second-most in the majors. But in his previous four starts, he had a 2.70 ERA, along with a 29:8 strikeout to walk ratio. 

He left his last start after six innings and 84 pitches, after allowing just one hit, no runs, and striking out 8. There were no signs of injury at that point.

Hunter Greene, Destroying the Side.

6Ks thru 4. pic.twitter.com/d6ADV5mcX3

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 1, 2022

Reds manager David Bell said the shoulder strain was "serious enough to go on the IL but hopefully no more serious than keeping him out for 15 days then having him back so he can finish out his first season here strong. It was enough of a concern to take a closer look and just put a pause on things at least for the 15 days."

Greene was the second overall pick in the 2017 Draft, but missed the 2020 season after Tommy John surgery in 2019. 

This year, his first in the big leagues, he's made 20 starts, with a 4-12 record and a 5.26 ERA.

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK