Reds top pick Hunter Greene expected to make pro debut next week (video)

It appears Hunter Greene may play professional baseball for the first time within days, as the Reds’ first-round draft choice said he will debut Tuesday as a designated hitter for the Billings (Mont.) Mustangs of the Rookie Pioneer League.

Greene, a pitcher/shortstop whom the Reds selected No. 2 overall in the MLB Draft, is considered more likely to excel on the mound -- and he may showcase his 102 mph fastball as soon as next week -- yet he told Montanasports.com that he expects to keep being utilized as a hitter, “up to the big leagues.”

Hunter Greene, the Cincinnati Reds' highly touted rookie, will make his debut with the Mustangs on Tuesday. https://t.co/qLsjGXiAfT
— Montana Sports (@montanasports) August 4, 2017

The Reds organization has been allowing Greene to work his way into playing shape because he went a couple months after his spring high school season in southern California without playing until shortly after he signed with Cincinnati on July 7.

He expects to climb in the batter’s box for real Tuesday in a 7:05 p.m. home against the Idaho Falls Chukars.

“Being able to keep my bat and help the ball club out as much as I can at the plate is always awesome,” Greene told Montanasports.com. “Not just being limited to pitching, but also being able to hit and contribute to the team is also pretty cool.”

In Other News

McCoy: Reds win second straight over Phillies

NFL Draft: Bengals feel ‘sense of urgency’ while they’re in...

Report: Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson requests trade

Reds claim former Wright State outfielder off waivers

Bengals exercise fifth-year option on Ja’Marr Chase

About the Author

Matt Winkeljohn