Reds' Greene, with 104 mph heater, makes opening rotation

GOODYEAR, Arizona (AP) — Hunter Greene has cracked the Cincinnati Reds' season-opening rotation.

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

Manager David Bell informed Greene that he'd made the team Tuesday, and Cincinnati announced it Wednesday.

“I’m still at a loss for words. I knew yesterday, but I had to keep it on the down low. 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 is not going to be the last time I face adversity. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons. I had to grow up pretty quick for some things.”

Mahle will pitch the opener Thursday, April 7, with Reiver Sanmartin and Vladimir Gutierrez going Friday and Saturday. The 22-year-old Greene gets the ball for his big league debut in the series finale Sunday.

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

He's thrown three scoreless innings spanning two outings this spring, striking out three without allowing a walk.

“Hunter had a lot of confidence this day would come but it is still a dream come true,” Bell said. “Sometimes for a guy like him, it can be more difficult with the expectations.”

Greene said he's eager to take on the World Series champs, and also excited to face the potent Los Angeles Dodgers lineup in his second start. His only disappointment: his second outing is likely to...

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