Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene, along with two other pitchers, has been placed on the COVID-19 injured list, causing a setback for the team. Reds manager David Bell confirmed that Greene will be on the list for a minimum of seven days. However, he expressed optimism that Greene could return to the field as early as the following Friday if his condition improves each day.
Apart from Greene, the Reds also added right-handed starter Ben Lively and reliever Fernando Cruz to the COVID-19 injured list. The exact details surrounding their conditions were not disclosed. This development raises concerns for the Reds as they navigate the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.
Before being sidelined due to COVID-19, 24-year-old fireballer Hunter Greene had just returned to the mound on August 20 after spending almost two months on the injured list due to a sore hip. While his first two starts upon his return were challenging, with him allowing 13 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings, Greene showed promise in his last outing. In that game, he held the San Francisco Giants to just one run and three hits over 5 1/3 innings, contributing to the Reds’ 4-1 victory.
The absence of Greene, Lively, and Cruz from the pitching rotation will undoubtedly affect the Reds’ overall performance. In response to these setbacks, the team made several roster changes. Outfielder Jake Fraley was reinstated from the 10-day injured list, providing a boost to the team’s batting lineup. Additionally, the Reds recalled right-hander Brett Kennedy from Triple-A Louisville, further strengthening their pitching staff. They also took advantage of the expanded 28-man roster (29 for Friday’s doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs) by adding newly acquired outfielders Harrison Bader and Hunter Renfroe to their lineup.
The Reds will have to navigate through this temporary setback as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the league. With the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for the team to prioritize the health and safety of their players and coaching staff. As Greene and the other affected pitchers recover and return to the field, the Reds hope to regain their momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the season.
The Reds face a significant challenge with the absence of Hunter Greene and two other pitchers due to their placement on the COVID-19 injured list. Nevertheless, the team remains optimistic about Greene’s potential return after the seven-day isolation period. The roster changes and additions made by the Reds aim to compensate for the lost talent and maintain their competitiveness. As the team adapts to these unforeseen circumstances, their focus on player health and safety remains the top priority.
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