Cincinnati Reds Finally Get A Win, Lose Hunter Greene - Sam LeCure Joins Us!

On May 7, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds secured a narrow 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, snapping a four-game losing streak and improving their record to 18-19. The game was highlighted by TJ Friedl’s two home runs, which provided crucial offensive firepower, and a resilient bullpen effort led by Brent Suter and closer Emilio Pagan, who bounced back from a blown save the previous night to earn his ninth save in 11 opportunities. The Reds’ starting rotation, ranked fifth in the majors in WAR and eighth in ERA, has been a cornerstone of their season, and this win underscored their ability to compete despite mounting challenges. However, the victory was overshadowed by a concerning injury to ace pitcher Hunter Greene, who exited in the fourth inning with a right groin injury. Greene, a 2024 All-Star and Cy Young contender, had been dominant through three scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing just two hits on 53 pitches. The injury occurred during warm-up pitches before the fourth, when Greene felt a “grab” in his groin, prompting manager Terry Francona and a trainer to remove him from the game. Greene, who remained optimistic postgame, is scheduled for an MRI on May 8 to determine the injury’s severity. He expressed hope of avoiding the injured list but acknowledged uncertainty, stating, “I don’t know what the future holds on this.” The Reds are already grappling with a slew of injuries, with key players like Noelvi Marte (oblique), Austin Hays (hamstring), and Jake Fraley (calf) sidelined or limited. Greene’s potential absence could strain the team’s pitching depth, especially after his stellar 2025 performance (4-2, 2.36 ERA, 61 strikeouts in 45.2 innings). If Greene misses time, 22-year-old prospect Chase Petty, who recently threw six no-hit innings inTriple-A, is a likely replacement, though his MLB debut was rocky. Despite the injury concerns, the Reds’ resilience in holding off the Braves (17-18) offers hope. Francona emphasized the team’s grit, noting that while Greene’s exit was a blow, the win showcased their ability to adapt. As Cincinnati navigates this precarious moment, Greene’s MRI results will be pivotal in determining whether their rotation can continue to anchor a season teetering on the edge.