Hunter Greene's next start pushed back by at least 2 days

The Cincinnati Reds announced the starting rotation for the club's upcoming three-game series with the San Diego Padres. Guess what? Hunter Greene will be pushed back by at least two days.

Greene struggled in his most recent start. On Friday, the rookie made it through just 3.1 innings, walked four batters, and struck out three. The most concerning aspect of Greene's start wasn't the free passes, but his lack of velocity.

Greene, who was pumping out fastballs at 100-plus mph during his first two major league starts, didn't see his fastball even hit 98 mph. Greene's fastball on Friday night averaged 95.8 mph and he topped out at 97.2 mph.

The Reds pushed back Hunter Greene's next start.

Tuesday's starter for Cincinnati's home series against San Diego will be left-hander Reiver Sanmartin. Vladimir Gutierrez will oppose Mackenzie Gore on Wednesday, and Tyler Mahle not Hunter Greene, will be the Reds starting pitcher on Thursday afternoon's finale.

As Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer correctly points out, before the most recent adjustment to the Reds rotation, Greene would always pitch before Mahle. Is this most recent change done in order to keep Mahle on schedule or to give Greene more time to rest?

With the Cincinnati Reds having an off day on Monday, allowing Mahle to pitch on Thursday keeps the veteran on his regular four-day rest and would give Greene six days off between starts if the former first-round pick is on the bump start next Friday at Coors Field.

Luis Castillo also began a rehab assignment on Sunday at High-A Dayton. The right-hander is expected to go to the hill for at least one more rehab outing before returning to the Cincinnati starting rotation.

If this latest development is more about keeping Tyler Mahle on schedule, the discussion is moot. However, if pushing back Hunter Greene's next start is due to fatigue or injury, that's definitely concerning.

Greene gets an extra day any way because of the off day on Monday. If he's not back in the rotation by Friday against the Colorado Rockies, Reds Country will begin to panic.