3 options to replace Hunter Greene if the Reds flamethrower misses his next start

It is not a good time for one of the Cincinnati Reds pitchers to miss his next start. But that could very well be a possibility after Hunter Greene exited Monday's game after a hot-shot clipped him in his right leg.

Greene was struck on the shin by a come-backer in the third inning of Monday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. Greene finished the inning, but was then removed and replaced by reliever Buck Farmer.

While the x-rays were negative, the possibility remains that Greene could miss his next start with a lower leg contusion. If Greene misses his next start, who'll get the call?

1. If Reds RHP Hunter Greene misses his next start, Chase Anderson could replace him.

After seeing how much Luis Cessa has struggled lately, Chase Anderson's name has come up early and often as a possible replacement. Anderson may well get a call, but it could be to replace Hunter Greene instead.

Cessa allowed nine runs in the first inning during his previous start, and the idea of the right-hander starting another game is not a popular one. However, if Greene is out, the Reds may have no choice.

Chase Anderson came to Cincinnati late last season and had moderate success with the club. He was invited back this spring on a minor-league deal and was assigned to Triple-A Louisville to begin the season. Anderson has gone 15 innings and has 13 punch outs in three starts along with eight walks.

Obviously, adding Anderson would be little more than a stopgap. However, if Hunter Greene is only forced to miss one or two starts, the Cincinnati Reds could phase Luis Cessa out of the rotation. Cessa could then be replaced by Anderson once Greene returns and keep the seat warm for one of the team's top pitching prospects.