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. Greene, 25, has been sidelined with a right groin injury since exiting a game against the Atlanta Braves on May 7.

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 provided a positive update on ace Hunter Greene on Monday on MLB Network Radio. "Yeah, I think he's all set," Francona said. "He actually threw a bullpen yesterday on the game mound because he wanted to make it as real as they could.

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 starting pitcher Hunter Greene is expected to come off the injured list and start Friday night’s game against the 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 manager Terry Francona shares an injury update on Hunter Greene that will surely excite the fanbase.

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.

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