Reds finally reveal worst-kept secret ahead of Game 1 clash vs. Dodgers

If you assumed that Hunter Greene would get the ball for Game 1 of the Cincinnati Reds' Wild Card Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, you were correct. The Reds made the announcement official on Monday afternoon and revealed that Greene will indeed be on the mound for Cincinnati on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.

This opportunity may not have happened if Reds manager Terry Francona decided to alter his rotation during the final week of the regular season. Tito had the chance to run out Greene two times — on normal rest — but instead stuck with Brady Singer.

Unfortunately, Singer was on the losing-end of both starts this past week, but the Reds were still able to sneak into the playoffs. Greene will now get the chance to shine against his hometown Dodgers on the brightest stage imaginable — the MLB playoffs.

Reds name Hunter Greene the Game 1 starter for the NL Wild Card Series vs. Dodgers

Greene solidified himself as a bonafide ace this season. While two separate injury stints lessened Greene's overall impact, when he was on the mound, the fireballer was lights out. Greene owned 2.76 ERA in 19 starts this season with a 0.938 WHIP and 132 punch outs over 107⅔ innings of work.

In five career starts against the Dodgers, Greene is 1-3 with a 4.55 ERA, and in his three starts at Dodger Stadium, the right-hander is 0-2 with a respectable 3.78 ERA and 17 strikeouts. Greene has allowed four round-trippers at Chavez Ravine across 16⅔ innings pitched.

With Greene now cemented at the Game 1 starters, the curiousity among Reds fans will now turn to Game 2. Nick Lodolo entered the season finale in Milwaukee as a reliever, so it would stand to reason that he's fully healthy. If, however, Lodolo is unable to go, Game 2 could fall into the lap of trade deadline acquisition Zack Littell. That would be less than ideal.

For now, most Reds fans are focused on Game 1. If Greene can help lead his team to victory, the Reds will have a chance to do something they've not done since 1995 — win a postseason series.

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