The Cincinnati Reds are navigating a challenging spring training, with their pitching staff facing significant hurdles. The latest blow comes as newly acquired southpaw Caleb Ferguson grapples with an oblique injury, adding to the woes following Hunter Greene's elbow surgery news.
Greene, a key figure in the Reds' rotation, is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery to address loose bodies in his elbow. This development means the Reds will miss his presence on the mound for a significant portion of the season, creating early uncertainty for the pitching lineup.
Adding to the pitching conundrum, Ferguson, brought in during the offseason to bolster the bullpen, is now dealing with an oblique issue. This setback could potentially sideline him at the start of the 2026 campaign. Manager Terry Francona was counting on Ferguson to be a pivotal late-inning option, and his absence will be felt.
Fox 19's Charlie Goldsmith reported the situation on his X account, stating, “Caleb Ferguson has an oblique injury. They’ll reevaluate him when the team gets back to Cincinnati. Looks like he’ll miss the start of the year.”
Francona provided further insight, expressing hope for a swift recovery. “The hope is that it’s not going to be like we’ve seen obliques.
Maybe a couple of weeks. He has to heal the way it heals.”
With Greene out for months, the Reds are already planning to lean heavily on their remaining starters and bullpen depth. Ferguson's potential absence on Opening Day means additional pressure on left-handed relievers like Sam Moll and Brock Burke, who may see expanded roles as the team maneuvers through the early schedule.
Despite these challenges, Cincinnati remains hopeful for both pitchers' contributions later in the season. Greene's procedure has avoided ligament damage, and Ferguson's oblique issue, while concerning, seems less severe than typical strains. The Reds are cautiously optimistic about overcoming these early setbacks and making a strong push as the season unfolds.