The Cincinnati Reds removed first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the lineup on Wednesday.
The Cincinnati Reds made a late change to their spring training lineup on Wednesday involving veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
Lowe was originally scheduled to start at first base but was removed from the lineup just moments before first pitch. The Reds quickly adjusted their defensive alignment as Spencer Steer moved over to first base while Dane Myers entered the lineup to fill the open spot.
As of the lineup change, the team had not provided a reason for Lowe’s removal. Because the move came so close to game time, it immediately raised questions among fans about whether the decision was related to a potential injury, illness or simply a late spring training adjustment.
Lowe is currently competing for a spot on Cincinnati’s roster after signing with the club earlier this offseason.
He agreed to a minor league contract with the Reds in February. The deal functions as a non‑roster agreement for the upcoming season and would pay Lowe a $1.75 million salary if he makes the active roster. It also includes the possibility of up to $250,000 in additional performance bonuses.
Despite entering camp on a minor league deal, Lowe has been widely viewed as a strong candidate to make the Opening Day roster. The Reds could use him as a platoon option at first base, particularly against right‑handed pitching where his left‑handed bat has historically been more productive.
That opportunity comes after a difficult 2025 season that significantly lowered Lowe’s value in free agency. Splitting time between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox, Lowe struggled to consistently produce at the plate.
Across 153 games last season, he posted a .228 batting average with a .307 on‑base percentage and a .689 OPS while hitting 18 home runs and driving in 84 runs. While the RBI total remained respectable, his power production dipped compared to earlier seasons, contributing to the challenging year overall.
The Reds are hoping Lowe can rediscover the form that once made him one of the more productive first basemen in the league. Earlier in his career with the Texas Rangers, Lowe developed into a key contributor, earning a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove while helping the Rangers capture a World Series title.
If he can regain even part of that level of performance, Lowe could become a valuable addition to Cincinnati’s lineup.
For now, though, the focus remains on the unexplained lineup change. Until the Reds provide clarification, it remains unclear whether Lowe’s late removal was simply precautionary or something that could affect his status moving forward.