March 31, 2025
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect
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.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: C. Trent Rosecrans
March 26, 2025
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect
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.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
February 17, 2025
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect
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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
February 11, 2025
MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports that Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect
Rhett Lowder (elbow) is dealing with some elbow soreness and is being limited with his throwing program right before the official start of spring training. The good news is that an MRI exam showed no structural damage to his arm. The 22-year-old's injury doesn't sound too serious, but this is something to watch for MLB Pipeline's No. 35 overall prospect entering the 2025 season. Lowder made his MLB debut in 2024 and was outstanding in just six starts, posting a 1.17 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and 14 walks in 30 2/3 innings. However, the former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest University was lucky to produce the surface stats that he did given his lack of command. Especially if he's not 100% health-wise, Lowder has a good chance of opening the year at Triple-A Louisville.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
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