Hunter Greene’s Homecoming: Reds vs. Dodgers Showdown
Homecoming for Hunter Greene
Back in his hometown of Los Angeles, Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene is set to pitch at Dodger Stadium for just the second time in his young career. This Sunday afternoon, Greene will face the Los Angeles Dodgers, bringing a mix of personal significance and competitive spirit to the mound.
Historical Performance and Current Momentum
In 2022, a fresh-faced Greene made his second career start at Dodger Stadium, striking out six and allowing two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. Despite his strong performance, he took the loss. Fast forward to now, Greene (2-2, 3.27 ERA) is poised for a different outcome. Over his past five starts, he’s achieved a 2-1 record with a 2.56 ERA, showing marked improvement and confidence.
Recent Success on the Mound
On Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the 24-year-old Greene matched a season high by pitching seven innings, allowing just two runs on five hits, and striking out five. His efforts helped the Reds secure a 6-2 win.
“I’m getting ahead, trying to go deeper in games,” Greene told Bally Sports Cincinnati, emphasizing the importance of his 100 mph fastball. “I understand the position I’m in and the impact it can have on the team, and with (saving) the bullpen as well.”
Challenges for the Reds’ Offense
For Greene to secure a win, he’ll need solid offensive support. The Reds managed just three hits in their 4-0 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday. Cincinnati is 3-6 on their current 10-game road trip, which wraps up on Sunday.
Dodgers’ Pitching Strategy and Injury Updates
The Dodgers are still undecided about their starter for Sunday. They’re dealing with a spaced-out rotation due to injuries. Options include calling up right-hander Landon Knack from Triple-A or opting for a bullpen day. The Dodgers are managing injuries to key pitchers, including Bobby Miller (shoulder inflammation) and relievers Ryan Brasier (calf strain) and Evan Phillips (hamstring strain).
Walker Buehler made his third start in nearly two years on Saturday after elbow surgery, delivering six shutout innings and leading the Dodgers to victory over the Reds. Despite their pitching challenges, the Dodgers (31-17) hold the second-best record in the National League.
Manager and Player Insights
“Offensively, I think we have been sporadic, certainly top-heavy,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Some guys around the bottom (of the order) are on the come. But I think at the end of the day, we’re doing a good job of winning baseball games. How we do it each night has been different, but I think that’s a lot of credit to the coaches and the players.”
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts got a rare day of rest on Saturday, with Andy Pages and Gavin Lux stepping up to drive in runs.
“I mean, we’re all gonna have our games here and there where we don’t play well, but we know how good we are as a team,” said Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, who had two hits and an RBI. “And the pitching has been really, really good all season long.”
Anticipation for the Matchup
Hunter Greene’s return to his hometown, combined with his recent form, makes this an exciting matchup against the Dodgers. This game promises to be a compelling contest, with a mix of statistical analysis and personal insights. As Greene aims to continue his strong performance, the Reds will need to step up their offensive game to secure a win.