Terry Francona: Reds' pitcher Hunter Greene moving toward rehab assignment

PHILADELPHIA − Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene appears to be tracking toward a rehab assignment.

Greene, the Reds' Opening Day starter, threw a side bullpen session at Citizens Bank Park prior to Saturday's Reds-Phillies game. That follows his 20-pitch session against live batters Wednesday at Fenway Park in Boston.

If Saturday's session went off as intended, the plan is to move Greene to Triple-A Louisville next week.

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"If all goes according, we hope he'll go out (to Louisville) Tuesday and pitch and (Carson) Spiers will piggyback off him," Reds manager Terry Francona said.

It's been over a month since Greene last started (June 3 vs. Milwaukee Brewers). Greene, an All-Star in 2024, is 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 11 starts this year. He has twice been added to the injured list in 2025 due to right groin strains.

Reds' Jake Fraley is swinging a bat again

The angst around Jake Fraley's IL stint for a partially torn labrum appears to be settling.

Francona said Fraley was swinging a bat again and would soon take swings off a Trajekt machine.

"He's doing really good," Francona said. Fraley was placed on the IL June 27. Since then, it was decided he wouldn't get surgery to fix his ailment.

Fraley, who was hitting .224 for the year (28 hits, 17 RBI, 18 walks), couldn't exactly pinpoint which play might have caused the tear, but the injury became a concern during or after the Reds' series against the New York Yankees June 23-25.

Reds' Connor Joe on the mend

Reds utility man Connor Joe, who battled hand, foot and mouth disease last month, played five innings at first base for the Louisville Bats on Friday. He went 0-for-3 at the plate, but his appearance in the game was a sign of progress.

Francona said Joe would serve as a designated hitter Saturday and play in the outfield Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Terry Francona: Reds' Hunter Greene moving toward rehab assignment