Hunter Greene's injury timeline likely ends this Reds pitcher's time in the rotation

The Cincinnati Reds starting rotation has undergone a drastic makeover the past few weeks. With Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott all on the IL, and Frankie Montas now pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers, Nick Martinez is the only remaining Opening Day starter who's still in the rotation.

The Reds have since had to rely on an amalgamation of openers, prospects, rookies, and relievers to help offset the losses of their top starters. Martinez has been arguably the Reds best pitcher for the past couple of weeks, but Cincinnati has also seen several positive performances from the likes of Julian Aguiar, Brandon Williamson, and Rhett Lowder.

Thursday's starter will be Jakob Junis. Cincinnati acquired the veteran right-hander in their trade with Milwaukee at this year's deadline that sent Montas to the Queen City. Junis went five strong the last time he toed the rubber, but it's highly likely that his start in the series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals could be his last.

Hunter Greene's injury timeline likely ends Jakob Junis' time in the Reds rotation

Junis will get the start today in St. Louis with the Reds looking to upend the Cardinals and take the series. Cincinnati won Game 1 by a final of 3-0, but St. Louis held the Reds in check on Wednesday night and the Cardinals took home the 2-1 victory.

While Junis has pitched well during the absence of several key Reds pitchers, Greene is on the mend. According to Reds manager David Bell, Greene will not have to go out on a rehab assignment. After throwing a batting practice session on Wednesday in St. Louis, Greene plans toss another during the team's visit to Minnesota and could return as soon as the Reds' upcoming homestand.

If that's the case, Junis will likely be removed from the starting rotation and return to the Reds bullpen. Junis has logged nearly 13 innings in his previous three games and allowed just one run on three hits while striking out nine batters.

The Reds could surprise everyone and send one of Lowder or Aguiar back to Triple-A to finish out the season, but the easiest way to offset the return of Greene is to move Junis back to his previous role. However, if Junis puts up more zeroes in Cincinnati's game this Thursday, that could change how Bell facilitates the rotation going forward.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors