Tommy John surgery news
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The gist
Reds pitcher Hunter Greene underwent his second Tommy John surgery Wednesday, likely out through 2027. The 12-18 month recovery dashes Cincinnati's playoff hopes and tests his durability.
Background
Hunter Greene, a two-time Opening Day starter for the Reds, had been battling elbow issues all season, making only five starts in 2026. The team hoped a lesser 'internal brace' procedure would allow a quicker return, but surgery on Aug. 12 revealed more extensive damage, leading to a full Tommy John reconstruction. This is his second such surgery, the first being in 2018 while in the minors.
How it unfolded
- 2018Greene undergoes his first Tommy John surgery as a minor-leaguer.
- 2022Greene makes his MLB debut after recovering from the first surgery.
- 2024 -25Greene posts a 16-9 record with a 2.76 ERA over 45 starts, establishing himself as an ace.
- Mar 2026Greene starts the season on the injured list after surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
- Jul 4, 2026Greene returns from rehab and makes five starts, going 2-2 with a 6.83 ERA.
- Aug 12, 2026Greene undergoes his second Tommy John surgery in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
- Aug 13, 2026The Reds announce Greene will miss the rest of 2026 and all of 2027.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said the team was not certain if the surgery affected Greene's UCL, which wasn't damaged in the spring.
- Analysts
- CBS Sports notes that Greene was a premium prospect and the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, but has been on the injured list in each of his five big-league seasons.
- Public
- The Athletic highlights that teammate Tejay Antone, who underwent two Tommy John surgeries, serves as an example of successful return, but also notes the grueling rehab.
Still unverified
The exact extent of the UCL damage was not known until during surgery; the team had hoped for a less invasive 'internal brace' procedure but instead performed a full reconstruction.