Friday marked the beginning of a stretch where the Reds play the National League Central-leading Cubs in six of the next nine games. Call it their first big test of this season, a chance to see where they stand against one of baseball's best offenses.

Hoerner recorded the first hit off Greene in the third with a softly hit double to left, but Greene retired the next batter and struck out Ian Happ to end the inning. Greene averaged 100 mph on his 48 four-seam fastballs and looked sharp until the two walks in the fourth.

The Cincinnati Reds activated right-hander Hunter Greene from the 15-day injured list to start Friday's home game against the Chicago Cubs. Greene, 25, has been sidelined with a right groin injury since exiting a game against the Atlanta Braves on May 7.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz made history on Friday night against the Chicago Cubs. With his single in the first inning on Friday, De La Cruz became the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to record 300 hits,

When Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder appeared in the Great American Ball Park home clubhouse May 24, his discomfort was visible.

All-Star right-hander Hunter Greene will make his return from the 15-day injured list Friday night when the host Cincinnati Reds open a three-game series with the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Lyon Richardson (72) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati. White Sox won 4-2. / Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene is expected to come off the injured list and start Friday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs.