Cincinnati Reds Boost Rotation as Hunter Greene and Emilio Pagan Return

The Cincinnati Reds are set to reinforce their pitching staff this week. Starting pitcher Hunter Greene, who underwent elbow surgery in March, completed three rehab outings, posting a 6 1/3‑inning start with only one hit allowed and four strikeouts. Manager Terry Francona said Greene is ready to rejoin the rotation, with his next start expected on Friday or Saturday.

Closer Emilio Pagan is also being activated from the 15‑day injured list after a hamstring strain sidelined him since early May. Pagan appeared in two short rehab games before rejoining the club in Milwaukee. Francona confirmed Pagan will resume his role as the team's closer.

Both pitchers return to a Reds roster that sits last in the National League Central at 39‑43. The bullpen has struggled, and the additions of Greene and Pagan are viewed as critical to improving the team's chances of climbing out of a 12‑game division deficit and staying in wild‑card contention.