Hunter Greene has come to slay.
Rookie Cincinnati Reds pitcher Greene dazzled fans in his Major League Baseball debut against Atlanta on April 10, limiting the Braves to three runs and four hits. The Reds went on to win 6-3 to split the four-game opening series, which, honestly, was a little better than experts largely had predicted against the reigning World Series champs.
While the win was nice, Greene's command and finesse were even better over his five innings, notching 56 strikes out of 92 pitches, including seven strikeouts. But perhaps more impressive, Greene's controlled velocity hit triple digits multiple times during his first big-league start. According to Statcast, the tool that tracks and analyzes MLB player actions, Greene's four-seam fastball averaged 99.7 MPH and went as high as 101.6 MPH on April 11. Sure, the rookie from Los Angeles gave up two home runs, but he also threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of 21 batters, with the fastball largely landing dead center.First MLB start, first MLB win❗️
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 10, 2022
What a day for, @HunterGreene17. pic.twitter.com/arE1aT6Vro
But Reds Country, we have to call this out: the 22-year-old Greene hit the triples 20 times during his start. TWENTY TIMES.
That's just insane, especially for a newbie, and it stirs some hope for a better 2022 Reds season than many fans and experts feared during yet another "rebuilding year."
According to MLB writer Sarah Langs, Greene has landed in good company, already tying for eighth on the list of pitchers with the most throws of more than 100 MPH.
"For him to control the game with his presence and his stuff, he did an excellent job," MLB writer Mark Sheldon reports Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said as saying.Most 100.0+ mph pitches as SP, single game since 2008 (pitch-tracking era, incl PS):
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 10, 2022
6/5/21 deGrom: 33
8/19/15 Eovaldi: 28
5/31/21 deGrom: 27
10/3/14 Ventura: 26
6/15/16 Syndergaard: 24
6/6/16 Paxton: 24
4/18/16 Syndergaard: 21
**TODAY Greene: 20**
7/3/21 Alcántara: 20
"I felt great out there. I felt like I was at home," Greene said, according to Sheldon. "A lot of people were like, ‘Don’t look up.’ But I looked up right when I got out there. I wanted to take it all in and enjoy it. I felt really comfortable out there. I’m really happy with today."
Greene is living up to his billing as the Reds' No. 1 prospect and the No. 2 overall selection in the 2017 draft. Sheldon previously reported that Greene had thrown 100+ MPH in high school, earning him a Sports Illustrated cover. Before this season began, a panel of MLB writers said that Greene has a shot at the MLB's National League Rookie of the Year award, which Reds second baseman Jonathan India earned in 2021. CBS Sports writer Mike Axisa agreed with Greene's upside, predicting he'll be the "hardest-throwing starter ever."
Drafted by the Reds in 2017, Greene played in the minors until injuries took him out in 2019 and 2020.
With the Reds losing big contributors and team owner Bob Castellini saying he wanted to invest in younger players, fans are anxious about 2022 turning into a "rebuilding season" rather than a legitimate push for playoff glory (During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Reds made it to the Wild Card playoffs but lost the first round to the Atlanta Braves without scoring at all. Before that, Cincinnati hadn't been to the postseason since 2013).
Last week, frustrated fans paid more than $4,000 for a billboard demanding that Castellini sell the team to someone who would buck up for the offense required to go to the World Series.
But the Reds have played more entertaining ball over four games than many people had expected — and none more entertaining than first baseman Joey Votto. The lifetime Red delighted fans and broadcasters alike during the April 7 season opener on the road in Atlanta, as Votto was miked up for in-game commentary. Votto jokingly said that he was in a bit of a "midlife crisis" and had been making decisions that were outside his wheelhouse.
"I actually have been considering getting a diamond tooth or a gold tooth, taking out one of my bicuspids and replacing it," Votto told the broadcast booth while keeping his eyes on Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson and starter Tyler Mahle. "So ask the fans what they think about that. I'm thinking about having a little bling in my mouth. You know, send out a poll there."
Votto then discussed the situation with Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies once he was on the bag, with Albies smiling and urging Votto to "go for it."
Votto also recently launched his Instagram (81k followers and counting) and TikTok (109k followers) channels. His first video on both accounts was a glitzy quick-change transformation from street clothes to his Reds uniform. The first baseman since has posted videos of himself singing Carly Simon's "Mockingbird" and Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris."
Cincinnati's home opener against intrastate rivals the Cleveland Guardians will take place on April 12 at Great American Ball Park; first pitch will be at 4:10 p.m.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will throw out the first pitch, with coach Zac Taylor and wide receiver Ja'marr Chase joining the on-field festivities. The game will be preceded by Cincinnati's iconic Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, for which Reds lifer Barry Larkin will serve as grand marshal. A number of bars, restaurants and communities are hosting additional pre-game parties, and GABP is ready with new menu items for hungry fans.
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