Hunter Greene joins Louisville Bats on rehab assignment June 23

On June 23, 2026, the Cincinnati Reds activated shortstop Elly De La Cruz from the injured list after he missed nearly a month due to a hamstring injury. De La Cruz, a two-time All-Star, returns to the active roster for a series against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to team reports.

Did You Know? Hunter Greene recorded four shutout innings and six strikeouts during a rehab start for the ACL Reds in Arizona on June 18.

Why is Elly De La Cruz returning to the lineup now?

De La Cruz suffered a hamstring injury on May 31 during a game against the Atlanta Braves. Team officials activated him on Tuesday, June 23, to bolster an offense that managed only two hits in a 2-1 extra innings loss on Monday, June 22.

To facilitate his return, the Reds optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville. Benson had a .188 batting average this season and limited recent playing time.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the timing of these activations is critical as the team enters a stretch of three straight series against NL Central rivals. The integration of top-tier talent like De La Cruz could alter the offensive output for a struggling lineup during a make-or-break period of the season.

What is the status of Hunter Greene’s recovery?

Hunter Greene is currently recovering from elbow surgery and bone chips after starting the season on the injured list. On Tuesday, the Reds transferred his rehab assignment to Louisville.

Greene is scheduled to start for the Bats against the St. Paul Saints at Slugger Field on Tuesday night. This follows his June 18 appearance in Low A, where he pitched four shutout innings.

How are other injured Reds players progressing?

Closer Emilio Pagán is nearing a return from the injured list. He is slated to begin a rehab assignment in Louisville this week, according to the team.

Reds' Elly De La Cruz DOES IT ALL!! (3-for-4, 1 HR, 2 stolen bases, and incredible fielding!)

Before Monday’s game, Pagán participated in live at-bats with Elly De La Cruz, Dane Myers, and Will Benson. These sessions serve as a bridge toward his full return to active competition.

What may happen next for the Reds’ roster?

The team may see further roster shifts as Emilio Pagán completes his rehab assignment in Louisville. If Pagán is activated, the team could need to make additional moves to manage the active roster size.

Hunter Greene’s performance in Louisville could determine the timeline for his official season debut. A successful start against the St. Paul Saints may lead to a transition back to the major league roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Elly De La Cruz sustain his injury?
He suffered a hamstring injury on May 31 against the Atlanta Braves.

What specific health issues led to Hunter Greene’s absence?
Greene underwent elbow surgery to address bone chips.

Where are the Reds’ injured players conducting their rehab assignments?
Both Hunter Greene and Emilio Pagán are utilizing Triple-A Louisville for their rehab assignments.

How do you think the return of key injured players impacts a team’s momentum during a critical season stretch?