It was a weekend to forget for the Cincinnati Reds, as they endured a series of setbacks against the Kansas City Royals. The Reds suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat on Friday night, followed by an even more demoralizing 13-1 loss on Saturday, pushing them further away from a playoff spot.
Injury Compounds Woes
As if the on-field struggles weren't enough, the Reds were dealt another significant blow with the loss of their standout pitcher Hunter Greene. Greene, who has been a cornerstone of their rotation, was placed on the injured list due to right elbow soreness. This news is particularly troubling given Greene's medical history—he previously underwent Tommy John surgery a few years ago.
Reds manager David Bell attempted to provide some reassurance, stating, "MRI looked good." While this might be a silver lining, the impact of Greene's absence cannot be understated.
Phenomenal Season
Before his injury, Greene was in the midst of an outstanding season. Over 24 starts, Greene compiled a commendable 9-4 record with a sparkling 2.83 ERA. His command on the mound was evidenced by his 1.02 WHIP and an impressive 162 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings. These statistics placed him among the league's elite.
Greene's performance had him ranked third in the league in ERA, fifth in WHIP, and fourth in strikeouts. According to Baseball Reference, he led the league in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), emphasizing his critical role in the Reds' pitching staff. FanGraphs also placed him fifth in their WAR rankings, further highlighting his value.
Playoff Hopes Dwindling
With the Reds standing five games out of a playoff spot, the loss of Greene could be devastating to their postseason aspirations. His presence on the mound has been a key factor in keeping the Reds competitive throughout the season. In his absence, the rest of the pitching staff will need to step up, a daunting task given the recent performances against Kansas City.
Cy Young Race
Amidst the Reds' struggles, the Cy Young race continues to heat up, with Chris Sale currently considered the frontrunner. While Greene's injury may have taken him out of contention, his performance earlier in the season undeniably placed him among the best in the league.
The Reds now face an uphill battle, not only in their pursuit of a playoff berth but also in maintaining their performance without their ace. As the season progresses, the resilience and depth of Cincinnati's roster will be put to the test.