Hunter Greene was scheduled to throw a maximum of 80 pitches in what was his return appearance from the 15-day injured list, but he was still on pace to get through five innings until Chicago's Nico Hoerner worked a 12-pitch at-bat in the fourth inning.

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 Cubs faced Reds ace Hunter Greene in his first game back from a strained groin that landed him on the injured list two weeks ago. Batting eighth in the batting order, Nico Hoerner was the first to record a hit off Greene, roping a double to left field in the third inning.

Former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman has filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds after he suffered a career-ending knee injury during a game at Great American Ballpark in June 2023.