Rhett Lowder Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Rhett Lowder (elbow) has been placed on the 15-day IL as a result of elbow discomfort he began experiencing earlier this spring. The former seventh-overall draft pick has already begun a throwing program so it doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, but with minor league options left, the righty will likely head to Triple-A to start the season. At some point later in the year, the 23-year-old will probably be back with the big league club after performing admirably in six starts in 2024, posting a 1.17 ERA (4.73 xFIP), 1.27 WHIP, and didn't allow a single home run in 30 2/3 innings pitched. However, he registered a 6.3 percent K-BB%, much lower than the 19.9 percent K-BB% he recorded in the minors. Once he returns to the majors, the Wake Forest product would make a solid waiver add in deep leagues with the potential to be a rotation piece in most other mixed leagues if he performs to his talent level.
Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Source: ESPN
Rhett Lowder Sent On Rehab Assignment
Rhett Lowder (forearm) on a minor-league rehab assignment to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. Lowder, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is being brought along slowly after he missed all of spring training due to a strained right forearm. The former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest made his big-league debut last year and looked great in six starts (30 2/3 innings), allowing only four earned runs and striking out 22. However, he also was a bit wild and walked 14. The 23-year-old will surely need a lengthy rehab assignment before he's removed from the injured list, and when he's ready, there's a chance that he could be sent back down to the minors for a little more seasoning. Remember, they brought him up at the end of last year only because their starting rotation was ravaged by injuries.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Tuesday that they sent right-hander Source: Cincinnati Reds
Rhett Lowder To Throw A Bullpen Session On Saturday
Rhett Lowder (forearm), who has been on the IL since March with a strained forearm, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, April 26. This should keep him on track for a return sometime in May, although it isn't clear whether he'll be assigned to Triple-A or join the major league rotation when he is ready to go. The Reds' second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 32) began 2024 at High-A and worked his way all the way up to the majors by August, making six starts for Cincinnati, posting a 1.17 ERA (3.10 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, and a 6.3 percent K-BB% in 30 2/3 innings of work. The 23-year-old should get another shot in the majors this season, and with last year's success, fantasy managers should be on the lookout for any developments regarding his return.
Source: MLB.com
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Source: MLB.com
Rhett Lowder Throwing Off Mound
Rhett Lowder (forearm) has begun throwing off the mound. The 23-year-old was unable to participate during spring training due to a right forearm strain. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears he is taking steps forward in his recovery process. Last season, the former seventh overall pick made his big league debut. Lowder logged 30 2/3 innings in Cincinnati and held a 1.17 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He tallied 22 punchouts and posted a high 10.9 percent walk rate. Earlier in the season, the former Wake Forest product progressed quickly through the Cincinnati system. He spent most of his time at Double-A, where he posted a 4.32 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP across 77 1/3 innings. When healthy, he should contend for a return to the big leagues.
Source: C. Trent Rosecrans
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Source: C. Trent Rosecrans
Rhett Lowder Starts Throwing Progression On Monday
Rhett Lowder (elbow), who is dealing with right-elbow soreness in camp, started a throwing progression on Monday. "I hit a hiccup, but I feel great with where I'm at now. It was a blessing in disguise. It opened a light to things I need to work on with my body that I didn't know about. It's good to know more about that now," Lowder said. The 22-year-old is behind the other pitchers in camp, but he still could be ready for Opening Day in late March. The Reds certainly aren't going to rush one of their best pitching prospects, so don't be surprised if he begins the 2025 season in the minors leagues for more seasoning. The seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest should be rostered in all dynasty/keeper leagues, though, and he could become relevant in mixed leagues in 2025 at some point after holding his own with a 1.17 ERA in his first six MLB starts a year ago.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
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