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.

The Cincinnati Reds activated right-hander Hunter Greene from the 15-day injured list to start Friday's home game against the Chicago Cubs.

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.

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) speaks with players at the pitchers mound in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, Friday, May 23, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati. / Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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.

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

The Cincinnati Reds have seemingly limped to the first checkpoint in the season. With Memorial Day as the marker, the Reds are smack dab in the middle of mediocrity. Marty Brennaman believes it could have been avoided.

The Reds activated Greene (groin) from the 15-day injured list Friday. Greene will make his return to the Cincinnati rotation with a start Friday against the Cubs after missing the past two-plus weeks with a Grade 1 right groin strain.