Each start Hunter Brown makes strengthens his status in the Houston Astros rotation. The group may be fronted by Framber Valdez, but Brown is its burgeoning ace. Modest support feels monumental when he takes the mound.

HOUSTON — Reds ace Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with a groin strain, one of six roster moves by Cincinnati ahead of Friday night’s game at Houston. Greene struck out six in three scoreless innings at Atlanta on Wednesday before summoning a trainer while warming up for the fourth.

ATLANTA – Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene is expected to miss at least two starts because of the Grade 1 groin strain suffered during Wednesday night’s start in Atlanta. “It's not terrible," manager Terry Francona said.