The Cincinnati Reds had a tough weekend series against the Kansas City Royals, marked by heavy losses on both Friday and Saturday. The Reds suffered a 7-1 defeat on Friday night, followed by a crushing 13-1 loss on Saturday, highlighting a challenging period for the team as they struggle to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Greene’s Setback
Adding to the Reds' woes, pitcher Hunter Greene was placed on the injured list due to right elbow soreness. Greene, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery a few years ago, has been a pivotal figure on the mound this season. Having made 24 starts, Greene boasts a 9-4 record with an impressive 2.83 ERA. His performance also includes a WHIP of 1.02 and an impressive 162 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings.
Before his injury, Greene was among the top pitchers in the league, ranking third in ERA, fifth in WHIP, and fourth in strikeouts. His contributions were further recognized as he led the league in WAR according to Baseball Reference and was fifth in FanGraphs' WAR rankings.
Despite the setback, there is a silver lining. Reds manager David Bell commented on Greene's condition, stating, "MRI looked good," giving hope that the elbow soreness might not be as severe as initially feared.
Playoff Aspirations Dim
The Reds currently find themselves five games out of a playoff spot, and the absence of Greene, combined with their recent losses, has jeopardized their postseason aspirations. The back-to-back heavy defeats against the Royals underscore the pressing need for the team to regroup and find their form in the remaining games of the season.
Sale Leads the Pack
In the broader context of the league, Chris Sale has emerged as the frontrunner in the Cy Young race. Sale's consistency on the mound has set him apart, making him the favorite for one of baseball's most prestigious individual awards.
The Reds’ recent struggles emphasize the thin line between success and adversity in professional sports. With Greene’s possible return and the team potentially rallying, the Reds still cling to hope of a turnaround. However, immediate improvement is imperative if they are to close the gap and secure a playoff berth.