Reds’ ace Hunter Greene expected to come off IL, start against Cubs Friday

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene is expected to come off the injured list and start Friday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs.Greene, 25, was placed on the injured list two weeks ago after suffering a groin injury against the Atlanta Braves.Greene has struck out 61 batters across eight starts this season, recording a 2.36 earned run average.The right-hander has continued to serve as the Reds’ ace after his first All-Star nod a year ago, when he pitched to a 2.75 ERA over 26 starts and struck out 169.Greene’s return comes at a crucial time for the Reds, who are 25-26 ahead of this weekend’s series against the first-place Cubs.Greene is listed as the probable pitcher for Cincinnati Friday night, while Chicago will counter with left-hander Matthew Boyd.This weekend’s three-game set at Great American Ball Park will mark the first meeting of the season between the Reds and Cubs.

CINCINNATI —

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene is expected to come off the injured list and start Friday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

Greene, 25, was placed on the injured list two weeks ago after suffering a groin injury against the Atlanta Braves.

Greene has struck out 61 batters across eight starts this season, recording a 2.36 earned run average.

The right-hander has continued to serve as the Reds’ ace after his first All-Star nod a year ago, when he pitched to a 2.75 ERA over 26 starts and struck out 169.

Greene’s return comes at a crucial time for the Reds, who are 25-26 ahead of this weekend’s series against the first-place Cubs.

Greene is listed as the probable pitcher for Cincinnati Friday night, while Chicago will counter with left-hander Matthew Boyd.

This weekend’s three-game set at Great American Ball Park will mark the first meeting of the season between the Reds and Cubs.