Reds rotation squeeze is here (again) with Hunter Greene's return from the IL

Hunter Greene is set to return to the Cincinnati Reds' rotation in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 13. In nearly 60 innings this year, the 25-year-old right-hander has recorded a 2.72 ERA to go along with an impressive 30.8% strikeout rate. And while that's good news for the Reds, it also means that changes are coming.

Greene has dealt with a pair of groin strains that have kept him sidelined at various points throughout the season. Upon his return, he'll certainly slot into one of the top spots in the Reds' rotation, though that begs the question: who will go to make room for him?

Nick Lodolo is still recovering from a blister issue, and is expected to return as soon as next week. Until then, Greene will join Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, and trade acquisition Zack Littell will hold down the fort. But there's still one spot up for grabs.

Nick Martinez, Chase Burns locked in battle for final spot in Reds rotation

That one spot will force Reds manager Trrry Francona to choose between veteran right-hander Nick Martinez and rookie sensation Chase Burns — and both could be sent to the bullpen once Lodolo makes his return.

For now, the leg up would seemingly go to Martinez, who has pitched at least 100 innings in a MLB season seven times in his career, including in 2025. His 4.49 ERA and 17.4% strikeout rate hardly qualify as "impressive", though what's most important in a fifth starter at this stage of the season is reliability. Martinez brings that in spades, ranking second on the team in quality starts with 10.

Of course, Burns, the second overall pick in last year's draft, has more or less lived up to the hype in Cincinnati thus far, especially if you believe more in his 2.44 FIP and 37.7% strikeout rate than his 5.24 ERA.

However, Burns has already surpassed 100 innings on the season between the majors and minors, and it's no secret that an innings limit is heading his way at some point. Consider that his high-90s fastball would play a lot better in short spurts than Martinez's low-90s heater, and it's hard not to make a case for Burns to move to the bullpen once Greene is back.

Of course, these situations are fluid, especially for a team angling for a postseason spot like the Reds. Having depth as good as Burns is a testament to what the franchise is building. For now, though, it appears the team will have to make a rotation decision on its oldest and youngest members.

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