Healthy Hunter Greene warms up for Reds' return in rehab start

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene has been sidelined for nearly two months with a hip injury.

The right-hander recently made a rehab start at the Arizona Complex League, and just yesterday, Greene made another rehab start for the Louisville Bats.

This was a major step forward in Greene's attempt return to Reds rotation. Manager David Bell has been missing his ace, as things have begun to unravel for the Reds after the All-Star break.

Healthy Hunter Greene warms up for Reds' return in rehab start.

The Cincinnati Reds handed Hunter Greene a pitch limit, which should come as a surprise to no one. The flamethrower tossed 2.2 innings for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday and totaled 46. Greene threw 27 strikes and 19 balls while striking out one batter and walking another.

There was virtually no point in the game where Greene appeared to be in trouble. The now 24-year-old recorded two outs in the first before an error caused him to throw an additional four pitches in order to finish the inning.

In the second inning, Greene retired the opposition in order, striking one batter out in the inning. Greene then allowed a hit and walk in the third inning before being pulled with two outs remaining.

The good news for the Cincinnati Reds fanbase is that Hunter Greene appeared healthy. Look for the Reds' ace to land another start or two in the Derby City before returning to the Cincinnati starting rotation. Greene isn't eligible to return from the 60-day IL until closer to mid-August.

The Reds rotation, which is already comprised of first-year players Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson, will turn to rookie hurler Lyon Richardson today in the series finale against the Washington Nationals. The Reds can't get Greene back soon enough.