Greene strikes out seven in dazzling 2022 debut

Keeping tabs on the Reds' No. 1 prospect

April 10th, 2022

April 10: Greene strikes out seven in dazzling debut
Hunter Greene, the Reds' top prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 22 overall, was electric in his Major League debut Sunday. The 22-year-old right-hander gave up three earned runs on four hits and two walks to go with seven strikeouts, and he picked up the victory against the Braves. The flamethrower’s four-seam fastball averaged 99.7 mph with a maximum speed of 101.6 mph. Full story »

April 5: Greene shines in spring finale

The Reds utilized their final Cactus League game of the 2022 campaign to get a glimpse at two of their premier pitching prospects, both of whom are set to factor prominently into the team’s long-term rotation plans: Hunter Greene and Brandon Williamson.

Greene drew the start in the 12-9 win at Goodyear Ballpark and was tested against a Mariners lineup that will likely resemble the group they will send out for Opening Day. After yielding a pair of solo home runs in the second, the fireballing 22-year-old settled in and struck out four of the final six batters that he faced.

“I made some good adjustments going into that third inning,” Greene said. “I got instant feedback from the hitters. I’m really happy with how I was able to turn it around. That’s what it’s about: making those little adjustments and being able to just go out and compete.” Full story »

March 31: Greene unfazed after rough outing
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Just a day after he was named to the Reds’ starting rotation to begin the 2022 season, right-hander Hunter Greene ran into a thunderous White Sox lineup in a Cactus League nightcap.

Greene finished around his 50-pitch limit, but he lasted just two frames while allowing seven runs (five earned) on five hits, including two resounding home runs. But there were positives to take away, as well. Greene struck out four, including the power-packed triumvirate of Tim Anderson, Luis Robert and Eloy Jiménez in the first inning, all of which came on fastballs that reached triple digits.

“I’ll never drop that pitch or not have confidence in that pitch,” Greene said of his fastball, which boasts a rare 80 grade on the scouting scale. “I can definitely throw that pitch at any time, in any scenario, anywhere in the zone and I’ve got a lot of confidence with it.” Full story »

March 30: Greene makes OD roster, will start April 10
Hunter Greene is going to the Major Leagues.

The Reds' top-ranked prospect was told he made the club’s rotation by manager David Bell on March 29 and the club announced its decision on March 30. Greene, who is ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 22 overall prospect, is scheduled to pitch on Sunday, April 10, in a four-game series finale vs. the Braves.

“Oh man, I’m still at a loss for words,” Greene said. “I knew yesterday, but I had to keep it on the down low, which was tough. I told my family and a couple of friends. But man, like everybody says, it’s what I’ve been waiting for. A lot of work went into this.” Full story »

March 22: Greene named the Reds' top prospect
The Reds are coming off two straight winning seasons at the big league level, making the playoffs in the truncated 2020 season, but falling short a year ago. The moves made don’t seem as much of a rebuild as they are pointed toward trying to be competitive for longer. Yes, Jesse Winker, Sonny Gray and Eugenio Suárez are gone. The return was some big league ready, yet young, pieces. No. 5 prospect Brandon Williamson -- acquired from the Mariners on March 14 -- could contribute this year.

So could a good number of the prospects in this year’s Top 30. It may seem like Hunter Greene was drafted ages ago, but the fact of the matter is he’s still only 22 years old. Reds fans have been clamoring for him to get to Cincinnati since Draft day, especially since he lit up the radar gun at the 2018 Futures Game. Tommy John surgery slowed him down, but Reds Nation will get their wish. It’s hard to imagine the flame-throwing Greene NOT spending considerable time in Cincy this year. Full story »

March 21: Greene hits triple-digits in Spring Training debut
The velocity was there, and so were some offspeed pitches. Add that to having more maturity in his first big league camp, and Reds top prospect Hunter Greene enjoyed a strong first outing of spring.

Pitching a scoreless fifth inning in relief during a 3-2 Reds loss to the Cubs on Monday, Greene faced four batters and notched two strikeouts. He threw 17 pitches with 10 strikes -- with seven pitches reaching at least 100 mph.

Greene, 22, is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati’s No. 1 prospect and No. 22 overall. He struck out the first batter, Narciso Crook, swinging with a 101-mph fastball. Second batter Sergio Alcántara grounded out on a 2-2 changeup. Full story »

March 13: Greene named the No. 4 RHP prospect in baseball
If you want guys who can throw hard, you came to the right place, and both of these guys can throw their high-octane heaters for strikes. Between Triple-A and the big leagues, Baz averaged 96.6 mph and touched 100 with his fastball. Greene’s averaged close to 99 and was well into triple digits on a regular basis. Greene has a slight edge in terms of velocity. Full story »