Hunter Greene looks ready after successful start during rehab assignment

The Cincinnati Reds starting rotation needs a boost. Thankfully, it appears as though the team's ace is nearing a return.

Hunter Greene took the mound for the Louisville Bats on Tuesday night and looked terrific. Making his third rehab start with the Bats and fourth overall since being placed on the IL with a hip issue, Greene looks ready to return to the Reds later this week.

Greene's fastball was working. According to Baseball Savant, the flamethrower recorded three pitches over 100 mph and one just below triple-digits. Greene's fastball was averaging a touch over 97 mph.

Hunter Greene looks ready after successful start during rehab assignment.

While the Cincinnati Reds' bats have cooled of late, there's no denying that having Hunter Greene back in the rotation would help the team's playoff chances. Lately, the Reds have been running out a four-man rotation, but that's sure to change once Greene is back in the saddle.

Ben Lively is working his way back as well, but it's not yet known whether or not the right-hander will be working out of the bullpen or return to the rotation. Nick Lodolo made rehab start for Double-A Chattanooga last night as well. Reds fans can probably expect the lefty to make two more relief outings before returning later this month.

Luke Weaver is the obvious candidate to be removed from the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation. Weaver has been one of the worst starters in the game this season, but it remains to be seen if the right-hander will shift to the bullpen or receive his walking papers once the rotation returns to full strength.

Hunter Greene threw 83 pitches on Tuesday night and got 18 swings and misses against the Chicago Cubs Triple-A affiliate. Of the 18 whiffs, 10 came against Greene's heater. The former first-round pick looks ready to help push his team into the final month of the season with his eyes on a postseason berth.