The Cincinnati Reds already knew Hunter Greene needed elbow surgery. Unfortunately, they just found out how bad the situation really is.
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Greene underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, manager Terry Francona confirmed.
It's the second Tommy John procedure of Greene's career.
The Reds had hoped doctors might be able to perform the less extensive internal brace procedure. Instead, Greene required a full Tommy John revision, leaving him with an expected recovery timetable of 12 to 18 months.
Translation: His 2026 MLB season is over, and there's a good chance Reds fans won't see him pitch at all in 2027.
"Whatever it is, you adjust," Francona said.
It's another brutal setback for Cincinnati's 27-year-old ace. Greene underwent surgery in March to remove bone chips and loose bodies from the same elbow. He eventually returned but made only five starts, going 2-2 with a 6.83 ERA before experiencing more soreness.
An MRI and examinations by two doctors determined that his UCL needed to be repaired. Greene also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 while still in the minor leagues.
When healthy, he's shown why Cincinnati selected him No. 2 overall in the 2017 MLB Draft.
Greene became an All-Star in 2024 after posting career highs with 26 starts, 150 1/3 innings and 169 strikeouts. He followed that with a 2.76 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 2025.
The Reds envisioned Greene and rising right-hander Chase Burns anchoring their rotation together.
That plan will have to wait. Greene now faces another lengthy rehabilitation, and Cincinnati may have to prepare for an entire season without its ace.
