Reds News: Hunter Greene's next start pushed back, Emilio Pagán recovery, CES update

The Cincinnati Reds are riding some kind of hot-streak at the moment. The ole Redlegs have won three consecutive series, climbed into second-place in the NL Central, and will have Monday off before welcoming the Cleveland Guardians to Great American Ball Park on Tuesday.

The Reds have endured some injuries during the early-part of the 2024 season and have needed to rework both the starting rotation and bullpen in recent days. What's the latest Reds news heading into week?

Reds News: Hunter Greene's next start pushed back until Friday

The Reds decided to go with a four-man rotation recently, and Hunter Greene was originally scheduled to pitch this Tuesday against the Guardians. But that start is now TBD — David Bell said that Nick Martinez will probably serve a prominent role — while Greene's next outing pushed back until Friday.

As Bally Sports' Brian Giesenschlag notes, Greene has surpassed 100 pitches thrown in his last five starts, so giving the right-hander some extra rest in between starts is a wise move on the part of Bell and the Reds coaching staff. The Reds have several pitchers who could take the ball on Tuesday or could go with an opener. Nick Lodolo is still scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.

Reds News: Emilio Pagán won't be back until after All-Star Game

It was a brief return for right-handed reliever Emilio Pagán. The Reds reliever had been sidelined with a triceps injury and was activated from the 15-day IL this past week. The corresponding move saw the Reds option Graham Ashcraft to the minor leagues.

But Pagán, who's been a durable reliever for quite some time, landed on the IL once again on Sunday — this time with a lat strain. This time, the Reds recalled reliever Carson Spiers to take his spot on the active roster. Bell revealed that Pagán is not expected to return until after the All-Star break.

Reds News: Christian Encarnacion-Strand still weeks away from returning

At this rate, Noelvi Marte will return from his 80-game suspension before Christian Encarnacion-Strand comes off the 15-day IL. After receiving a second opinion for the wrist injury he suffered last month, Encarnacion-Strand will take an additional five days of rest and then start swinging the bat in couple of weeks.

This is a far-cry from the four-to-six timetable Reds fans had original heard following the initial diagnosis. This latest update likely means that CES won't be back until closer to the All-Star break.

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