Hunter Greene's response signals fundamental change that was absent under David Bell

With closer Alexis Díaz starting the season on the IL and a general lack of offensive firepower, the Cincinnati Reds’ starting rotation knew it had to step up. The starters, many of whom were top prospects who haven’t quite fulfilled their potential, could have caved under the pressure, but with Hunter Greene leading the way, the Reds pitching staff has become a force to be reckoned with.

As of April 15, the Reds’ rotation is averaging better than 5 ⅔ innings per game, best in the majors. This marks a significant shift from the 2024 team under former manager David Bell, in which the starters averaged just over 5 innings per game. The staff’s ability to go deep into games bolsters the bullpen and will be a key to Cincinnati’s success as the season wears on. And as with most things regarding Reds pitching, it all starts with Greene.

Hunter Greene’s ability to work deep into games is setting the tone for the Reds’ rotation

Greene has completed at least seven innings in three of his four starts so far this season. More impressively, he has been efficient in doing so. He averages just under 14 pitches per inning and flirted with a Maddux (a complete game shutout with fewer than 100 pitches) against the San Francisco Giants last week. In short, he has been every bit the ace the Reds thought he was when they signed him through 2029.

Greene takes pride in this hard work. He considers working late into games not only a personal accomplishment but a way to take care of his teammates in the bullpen. So far, that’s working. The Reds’ relievers have pitched 47 ⅓ innings, fewest in the majors. The team benefits as well, since the bullpen owns a 4.24. FIP, which ranks in the bottom third of the league.

Fellow former first-rounder Nick Lodolo is also getting in on the action. The lefty has turned in a quality start (six-plus innings with three or fewer earned runs) in three of his first four starts. Lodolo has demonstrated pinpoint control and has walked just two batters so far this season.

Still, the starters can’t do it all on their own, as evidenced by the Reds’ heartbreaking streak of one-run losses early in the season. The bats need to wake up and support Greene and Co. as much as the rotation has supported them. A bit more offensive production could raise the Reds to the next level.

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