Reds add pitcher to rotation who throws 104 mph

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Hunter Greene has figured out how to break into the Cincinnati Reds’ season-opening rotation.

The second overall pick in the 2017 draft hit 104 mph with his fastball at Triple-A last season and could be one of the most exciting rookies in baseball this year. The right-hander will pitch behind the opening day starter, Tyler Mahleduring a weekend series against the World Series champion Atlanta Braves.

Manager David Bell informed Greene that he had arrived on the team Tuesday, and Cincinnati announced it on Wednesday.

“I still have no words. I found out yesterday, but I had to keep it a secret. I told my family,” Greene said. “A lot of work went into this. There were so many obstacles, so many ups and downs, but it won’t be the last time I face adversity. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons. I had to grow up pretty fast for some things.”

Mahle will throw the first game on Thursday, April 7, with Reiver Sanmartín and Vladimir Gutierrez on Friday and Saturday. Greene, 22, gets the ball for his major league debut in the series finale on Sunday.

Greene missed the entire 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery, but he seemed to be in top form last year, when he went 10-8 with a 3.30 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. .

He has pitched three shutout innings in two starts this spring, striking out three without allowing a walk.

“Hunter was very confident that this day would come, but it’s still a dream come true,” Bell said. “Sometimes for a guy like him, it can be harder with expectations.”

Greene said he’s looking forward to facing the World Series champions and also excited to face the potent Los Angeles Dodgers lineup in his second start. His only disappointment: His second start is likely to be April 16, which means Greene, a Los Angeles native who is black, won’t be able to pitch on Jackie Robinson Day for about 24 hours.

“That would mean the world,” he said. “I was actually asking if I could keep that jersey. I’d pay whatever they asked. It’s just a historic moment. I hope one day in the future one of my start dates will be that day.”

“He’s one of my idols, actually my only baseball idol. I’ve always looked up to him. He was a great role model for the game and for life.”

Cincinnati will begin the year with one of the most inexperienced rotations in the major leagues, with 123 combined major league starts. The Reds haven’t named a fifth starter, but it could be rookie Nick Lodolo. louis castle and Mike Minor they will start the season on the disabled list.

Lodolo, the Reds’ first choice in the 2019 draft, is still on the roster, but adding him would require the Reds to make him a roster spot. Tony Santillan he will work out of the bullpen. She was competing for the rotation and pitched well this spring.