The Cincinnati Reds will activate right-hander Hunter Greene from the 60-day injured list for his season debut Saturday night against the Baltimore Orioles. Greene underwent elbow surgery in March to remove bone chips and completed a three-start rehab assignment, including two Triple-A outings where he flashed his signature 101 mph heat.

Reds manager Terry Francona confirmed he won't impose pitch limits on Greene, citing the pitcher's strength and readiness after throwing 82 pitches in his final rehab start. Greene went 6 1/3 innings, allowing one hit while striking out four. The 26-year-old brings needed stability to a rotation that also includes breakout rookie Chase Burns, who sits at 10-1 with a 2.40 ERA this season.

Cincinnati enters this series in last place in the NL Central at 40-46, but still clings to wild-card hopes. Greene's return follows a 2025 campaign where he posted a 2.76 ERA with 132 strikeouts across 107 2/3 innings despite two injured list stints. He owns a 25-29 career record with 617 strikeouts in 91 starts for the Reds.

Greene's presence should immediately elevate a Reds staff that desperately needs frontline innings. With his velocity restored and workload unrestricted, the right-hander has opportunity to anchor Cincinnati's push back toward relevance in a wide-open playoff race.