Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds star prospect Hunter Greene brought the heat vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cincinnati Reds may not field a great team this season, but they have an emerging star on the mound in top prospect Hunter Greene.
While the Reds fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday to stumble to a dismal 2-7 record out of the gate, Greene was throwing pure gas for Cincinnati. The Reds fireballer set an MLB record by throwing 39 pitches over 100 miles per hour in his latest start. He went 5.1 innings, striking out six and walking no one for the Reds. Greene allowed two runs on five hits in his impressive start.
Here is a sweet clip of Greene bringing the heat down to Chavez Ravine vs. the Dodgers’ lineup.
Cincinnati Reds star prospect Hunter Greene brings the record-setting heat
Let’s be real. It is all about the future for the Reds this season. While they may not be as toothless as the NL Central rival Pittsburgh Pirates, they are expected to be closer to the Buccos in the standings than the Milwaukee Brewers, the St. Louis Cardinals or even the Chicago Cubs. All that really matters for them this season is setting up a foundation for success for players like Greene.
Ownership wants to build a future winner around its starting pitching. While The Big Red Machine was better known for offensive firepower, winning from the mound is at least a philosophy Cincinnati baseball fans can get behind. As Greene continues to grow as a Major League pitcher, he has the chance to be one of the very best in the National League before he even hits arbitration.
Ultimately, you have to appreciate the little things like this when embarking on a most painful rebuild. As long as Greene stays healthy and learns from every time he toes the rubber, Cincinnati could be just fine long-term. Even in defeat, Greene is beginning to make a name for himself in the national landscape with his dominating fastball. To set an MLB record in mid-April is incredible.
Here is to Greene getting the most out of every start he makes for the rebuilding Reds this season.