The Cincinnati Reds starting rotation is losing depth, thanks to injuries. The Reds are turning to their farm system for some help in the season’s final stretch. A source told MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon that Cincinnati is expected to call up right-hander Rhett Lowder, the seventh overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Lowder is MLB Pipeline’s No. 35 prospect and will debut in Game 2 of Friday’s doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Reds will be calling up Rhett Lowder to pitch in Game 2 of Friday’s doubleheader vs MIL.
Lowder is the club’s No. 2 prospect and No. 35 overall, according to MLB Pipeline.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) August 28, 2024
Reds to Promote Rhett Lowder for Debut
Lowder, 22, has split the season across three minor league levels. He posted a 3.64 ERA with 113 strikeouts and 24 walks over 108 2/3 innings. He only made one appearance for Triple-A Louisville on August 22. Lowder made a solid first impression at Triple-A. He threw six scoreless innings and struck out seven batters, allowing just three hits without a walk. Notably, he is closing in on his personal high in innings, with Lowder throwing 120 last season. Lowder is one of five of the seven top picks in the 2023 draft that will have made the majors since. He joins right-hander Paul Skenes, outfielders Dylan Crews and Wyatt Langford and shortstop Jacob Wilson.
The move is primarily a response to a growing list of injuries that have decimated their starting pitching. Among those currently on the injured list are key pitchers like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott. Their absence is felt acutely, given their contributions prior to injury. They join other critical team members, Graham Ashcraft and Brandon Williamson. Both are out for the foreseeable future due to injuries. This spate of injuries has put the Reds in a challenging position, forcing the team’s management to reevaluate their strategy and look to their bench for viable replacements.
With Lowder’s promotion, the Reds hope to fill the gap left by these injuries and bring in someone who could potentially turn their fortunes around.
Main Photo: © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
