Cincinnati Reds rookie Hunter Greene made his MLB debut against the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves last week, then drew the Los Angeles Dodgers in what marked the first of what should be several homecomings.
The Reds selected Greene out of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks with the second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft. He grew up attending games at Dodger Stadium and was looking forward to facing the Dodgers.
“I was just talking to our infield coach and first base coach about how I would sit down the third-base line, watch Rafael Furcal and the amazing player he was,” Greene said on Thursday. “Just a beautiful experience to be here and to pitch on Saturday will be pretty special.”
The 22-year-old then went out and lived up to his reputation as an electric pitcher. According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Greene set multiple MLB records with a fastball that regularly touched 100 or 101 mph during his start against the Dodgers:
Hunter Greene pitch-tracking era records tonight:
– 100 mph pitches in game (39)
– 101 mph pitches by SP in game (13)
– 101 mph K’s by SP in game (2, tied w/deGrom + Verlander)— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 17, 2022
Cody Bellinger and Trea Turner each had two hits off Greene, and Austin Barnes was responsible for the only other the Dodgers could muster against the impressive rookie. Greene finished with six strikeouts and kept the game knotted in a scoreless tie until Turner’s home run in the sixth inning.
Roberts impressed by Greene
Greene’s pedigree and potential had long been known, and after seeing him for the first time, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered nothing but praise.
“It’s a special arm. He’s a great young man and we had our hands full. I know he had family and people here supporting him,” Roberts said.
“He was getting on us with the fastball and then he would mix in the slider, which is really good, and then also the changeup. We clearly didn’t get a whole lot of good swings off until that Trea homer. He’s a special talent.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
