The Cincinnati Reds endured a tough weekend on the diamond, dropping two consecutive games to the Kansas City Royals. They suffered a harsh 7-1 defeat on Friday night, followed by an even more punishing 13-1 loss on Saturday. Adding to their woes, the Reds have had to cope without their star pitcher, Hunter Greene, who was placed on the injured list due to right elbow soreness.
Hunter Greene's Impact and Injury
Greene, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery a few years ago, has been a standout performer this season. He has made 24 starts, boasting an impressive 9-4 record with a 2.83 ERA. Greene's WHIP stands at a commendable 1.02, and he has amassed 162 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings. Before his injury, Greene was ranked third in the league in ERA, fifth in WHIP, and fourth in strikeouts. Notably, he also led the league in WAR according to Baseball Reference and was fifth in FanGraphs' WAR rankings.
Reds manager David Bell provided a measure of reassurance amidst the concern, stating, "MRI looked good," signaling hope for Greene's return this season. However, the Reds' playoff aspirations have taken a hit, as they now stand five games out of a playoff spot.
Reds' Struggles Without Greene
Without Greene, the Reds have struggled to maintain their competitiveness on the mound. The losses to the Royals exemplified the challenges the team faces without their ace. These back-to-back defeats have put a dent in their already precarious playoff hopes.
Chris Sale Leading the Way
As the season progresses, Chris Sale is currently considered the frontrunner in the Cy Young race. His standout performances have set the bar high for pitchers across the league.
The Reds will need to regroup and find a way to compensate for Greene’s absence if they hope to make a push for the playoffs. With pivotal games ahead, the resilience and adaptability of the team will be put to the test.