Reds rumblings: Hunter Greene’s pro debut more than a week away, and he may hit before he pitches

If you're eagerly awaiting the professional debut of Reds first-round draft choice Hunter Greene, you'd better not be holding your breath. The pitcher/shortstop has said that he's more than a week away from the diamond, and suggested that he'll swing a bat before he throws a pitch.

Greene, the No. 2 overall pick of the MLB draft in June, has been with the Billings Mustangs for nearly two weeks. He hasn’t played though, instead working out with the Pioneer Rookie League team to build strength.

He went on a local radio show and suggested that he will first deploy as a designated hitter in an Aug. 8 game, and make his pitching debut on Aug. 27.

Reds senior director of player development Jeff Graupe Tuesday told the Billings Gazette that the Reds are easing Greene into action.

“We’re introducing a pro work load and a pro throwing program to him for the first time,” Graupe said to the Gazette. “There’s throwing days, recovery days, days we let him hit … I would anticipate that you will get to see him (sometime this season). But we are going to go a little slowly.”

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Matt Winkeljohn