Reds officially activate Hunter Greene and debut new-look bullpen

Hunter Greene is back. The Cincinnati Reds officially activated the flamethrower ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and optioned right-handed reliever Sam Benschoter back to Triple-A Louisville. Greene will be opposed by Phillies' left-hander Christopher Sanchez.

Greene's return to the Reds starting rotation coincides with a shift in the bullpen. Though Reds manager Terry Francona has shrouded the team's official plans in mystery, if Nick Lodolo returns from the IL next week, both Nick Martinez and Chase Burns are expected to be moved into the bullpen.

The Reds attempted to do so prior to Lodolo's injury, but after the lefty suffered a blister and was placed on the IL, Martinez returned to the starting rotation. Lodolo is able to come off the IL as early as next Wednesday, and Reds fans may see Cincinnati attempt to make that shift once again.

Reds officially activate Hunter Greene and debut new-look bullpen

Greene has been on the shelf for the better part of two months while dealing with a Grade 1 groin strain. The injury has actually forced Greene onto the IL twice this season, and the Reds front office and coaching staff are hoping that the extended break allowed the starter to heal properly.

The Reds need Greene in the rotation. Not only did Lodolo's injury throw a monkey wrench into Cincinnati's plans, but Burns is up against an innings limit. That number has been kept under wraps, but it seems unlikely that Burns will make many more starts — at least not in the traditional sense.

It's possible that Reds fans will see Burns act as a opener, go a couple innings, and be relieved somewhere after the second or third inning — perhaps by Martinez. It's doubtful the rookie fireballer will be thrust into a typical relief role, and fans shouldn't expect to see Burns used late in game during high-leverage situations — those are reserved for Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, and Emilio Pagán.

Greene's return just happens to coincide with the rise of fellow starter Andrew Abbott. In Greene's absence, Abbott assumed the mantle of staff ace and went to his first All-Star Game last month. The Reds will need the trio of Greene, Abbott, and Lodolo to be firing on all cylinders if they hope to make a run at the postseason this year. Getting a win on Wednesday against the Phillies would certainly help in that endeavor.

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