Hunter Greene is getting set to make his professional baseball debut this coming week, but it will be as a hitter, not a pitcher.
Greene was the No. 2 overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in this year’s MLB Draft. He took his signing down to the deadline before agreeing to a deal with the Reds, which pushed his debut back.
Greene confirmed with MontanaSports.com that he will make his debut on Tuesday for the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League, which is in rookie ball. He’ll be the DH that game.
“Being able to keep my bat and help the ball club out as much as I can at the plate is always awesome,” Greene said Thursday via Montana Sports.
Greene both pitched and played shortstop at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Most believe his future will be as a pitcher, but he’s also a slugger and will have the opportunity to do both at least to start his career. He also stopped pitching partway through his senior season — ostensibly to protect his arm — but he’s ramping up to make his first start in the Reds’ system later this month. That’s scheduled for Aug. 27.
Cincinnati is no doubt very excited to see what Greene will do during his first action in pro ball.
