The Cincinnati Reds may trail the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs by seven games, but they remain firmly in the playoff mix. Currently just 1.5 games behind the final NL Wild Card spot, the Reds are staying competitive as they head toward the All-Star break. Encouraging injury news has surfaced, offering a potential boost to manager Terry Francona’s team. On Saturday, Reds beat reporter Charlie Goldsmith shared updates on pitcher Hunter Greene and outfielder Jake Fraley via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Hunter Greene is set to start a rehab assignment in Triple-A on Tuesday,” Goldsmith wrote. “Jake Fraley is also doing really well, taking at-bats this weekend. They’ll check in with him when they’re back home on Monday about the next step.”
If both players continue progressing on schedule, they could return around the All-Star break—a critical lift for a Reds team fighting for postseason positioning. Their return would add depth and talent to an already improving squad.
Hunter Greene, who was selected second overall by the Reds in 2017, has steadily grown into the role of staff ace. He earned his first All-Star selection last year and has continued to develop under Francona’s leadership. His presence in the rotation after the break could significantly enhance Cincinnati’s playoff push.
Meanwhile, Jake Fraley, a versatile outfielder capable of playing all three positions, has become a vital part of the lineup. He recently received a cortisone injection to help speed up recovery from a shoulder sprain and has resumed taking at-bats. His return would bolster the team’s depth, a crucial asset for any club with postseason aspirations.
If the Reds can get Greene and Fraley back to full strength, it will undoubtedly improve their chances of playing meaningful baseball in October.