Rhett

Lowder

Lowder was slowed last week by right elbow soreness at the outset of camp, so it’s extremely positive to see him able to resume throwing without any issues. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect is vying for one of the final spots in Cincinnati’s season-opening rotation and will need to impress in Cactus League outings to break camp in the majors.

Lowder has already undergone an MRI, and it revealed no structural issues. The 22-year-old right-hander is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, and was outstanding in his six starts with the Reds at the end of 2024 with a 1.17 ERA over 30 2/3 innings. It’s a situation to monitor for those who are considering a draft pick on Lowder for the 2025 campaign.

Lowder was outstanding yet again, shutting the Cubs down with five scoreless innings, scattering three hits and three walks while striking out one batter. He’d have to settle for a no-decision after the Reds went scoreless against Kyle Hendricks. The 22-year-old right hander was impressive over his first six career starts, allowing just four runs over 30 2/3 innings for a 1.17 ERA and 1.27 WHIP while striking out 22 batters.

Lowder was excellent on mound Saturday, holding the Pirates scoreless over five frames, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out four to earn the win. The 22-year-old right-hander has even outstanding over his first five career starts, posting a 1.40 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 21/11 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings. He’ll get a final start against the Cubs in Chicago next Saturday.

It was yet another strong showing by Lowder, who had allowed just one run through the first five innings. He left the game with two runners on and watched as the bullpen allowed both of them to score. He now has a 1.74 ERA in his first four MLB starts. His command has also been improving, walking only one batter on the day today; however, he continues to show an arsenal that has a few above-average offerings but no pitch that’s truly dominant. He posted a 25 percent whiff rate and 22 percent CSW on Sunday and will face the Pirates in a strong start next week.

Lowder was impressive on Tuesday, scattering five hits over five scoreless frames while striking out three for his first career win. He’s now allowed just one run over 15 1/3 innings across three starts. This one was most impressive considering he didn’t walk a batter after issuing four walks in each of his first two starts. The 22-year-old right-hander is in line for a start against the Twins in Minnesota on Sunday.

The only issue with Lowder’s start was another four walks; giving him eight in his first two outings. He also allowed only four hits, however, and it’s tough to complain about six scoreless frames in your second MLB outing. The seventh pick of the 2024 draft will need to show better command in the long-term, but his track record at Wake Forest and in the minors suggests he’ll do just that. In the meantime, he’s forged a 0.87 ERA over his 10 1/3 innings to begin his career, and that’s pretty good. He’ll be on the bump again Tuesday against the Cardinals.

The lone run came in the fourth. Garrett Mitchell walked with one out, stole second base on a strikeout and then scored on a hard shot to third that ricochetted off Noelvi Marte’s glove. Elly De La Cruz nearly cut down Mitchell at home after picking up the ball, but he wasn’t quite quick enough. Lowder walked four tonight, which isn’t something he’s typically done as a pro. However, he allowed just two hits and struck out six. He definitely earned himself another start, which figures to come against either the Astros or Mets.

Lowder is the Reds’ number two prospect and the number 35 prospect overall, according to MLB Pipeline. He will also be the eighth player from the 2023 MLB Draft to make his debut following the early debuts of Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, Wyatt Langford, Jacob Wilson, and more. Lowder has thrown 108 2/3 innings across three levels in the minors this year with a 3.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 113:24 K:BB ratio. He has made just one start at Triple-A, but it was six shutout innings with seven strikeouts and no walks allowed. Lowder has a four-pitch mix led by a 94-95 mph fastball, and sinker he uses primarily to righties, and two plus secondary offerings in a great slider and a solid changeup. The home park will be a problem, but Lowder is an intriguing arm. He’s just not worth a start right away against the Brewers.