Two games out from the final NL Wild Card spot, the Cincinnati Reds are still very much in the playoff hunt. The team holding that final spot, the New York Mets, recently lost seven games in a row before their win last night over the Atlanta Braves. So, it's safe to say that the Mets' hold on that spot is still a bit tenuous. As the Reds seek to hunt down New York, the team received some good news. According to Cincinnati's official X (formerly Twitter) account, starting pitcher Hunter Greene has been activated from the IL.

“The #Reds today activated RHP Hunter Greene (right groin strain) from the 15-day injured list and optioned RHP Sam Benschoter to Triple-A Louisville (post-game on 8/12),” posted the team page on Wednesday.

This is the closest the Reds have been to the playoffs since they made the dance in 2020. The team hired manager Terry Francona to help the large amount of young talent they have transform into a playoff contender. So far, it feels as if Francona has done that. Getting Greene back will only help in their pursuit of a postseason berth. Can Cincinnati make it back to October for the first time in five years?

Will Hunter Greene's return help Reds postseason push?

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Greene, a former second overall pick, has slowly transformed into the ace that the Reds brass have hoped he'd become. As long as he's healthy, the flamethrower is a difference-making arm. With Andrew Abbott taking another step forward this season, plus the trade acquisitions of Brady Singer (last winter) and Zack Littell (at the trade deadline a couple weeks ago), Cincinnati looks like it has the makings of a playoff rotation.

The Reds have a tough task ahead of them. Let's say they surpass the Mets and clinch that final Wild Card spot. Then a date with the Los Angeles Dodgers (at the moment) would await. Whether its the Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies or another contender, Francona will certainly get his team in position to contend. Can Greene and the Reds get the job on the field? If so, then Cincinnati might finally accomplish a few long-awaited October dreams.

More Cincinnati Reds News
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (3) gets in position in the first inning of a MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati.
Reds 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes makes incredible bang-bang play vs. PhilliesRussell Steinberg ·
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Great American Ball Park.
When Reds’ Hunter Greene will return to rotation from long injury absenceChristopher Hennessy ·
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (3) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park.
Pirates lambasted for trading Ke’Bryan Hayes on broadcastMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the fourth inning at PNC Park.
Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes’ legendary MLB streak ends in 7-0 win vs. RedsAbdullah Imran ·
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene (21) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers
Reds rumors: Hunter Greene injury return is ‘imminent’ for final playoff pushChristopher Hennessy ·
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) watches from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park
Reds manager Terry Francona snaps at reporter after blowout loss to CubsBrayden Haena ·