Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona announced an update on Rhett Lowder.
The Cincinnati Reds have had a disastrous month of May, finally snapping an eight-game losing streak on Saturday with a 3-1 win over the Houston Astros. Unfortunately, the damage is done. After briefly holding sole possession of first place in the National League Central, Cincinnati has fallen to fifth place, holding a 21-19 record.
The path back to contention will be a difficult one, especially because the Reds have been hit with multiple starting pitcher injuries throughout the month. The rotation has already been without its ace, right-hander Hunter Greene, and the most recent player to go down is right-hander Rhett Lowder.
During Lowder’s last start on Thursday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs, he was unable to finish the outing after injuring his right shoulder. He had walked back-to-back hitters and began walking around in discomfort.
Manager Terry Francona and the training staff visited the mound, and Lowder was removed immediately. An MRI taken on Friday revealed no structural damage to the shoulder, but the Reds are opting for caution and do not want him to suffer any setbacks “Terry Francona said Rhett Lowder (shoulder) will go on the IL,” reported Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19.
It is unclear whether Lowder will need a rehab assignment or if he can slot directly back into the rotation once eligible. Francona added more context when speaking with reporters, saying, “He is going to continue to throw. Maybe not quite off the mound yet.”
Lowder is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.409 WHIP in eight starts this season. He has collected just 27 strikeouts throughout 38 1/3 innings of work. The numbers are not ideal, but he is still young and carries plenty of upside.
The Reds selected him seventh overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, and despite missing all of 2025 with forearm and oblique issues, he showed promise early this season before his last two outings inflated his ERA.
No decision has been made on who will take Lowder’s spot in the rotation. Chase Petty last pitched on Monday in Chicago, filling in for injured left-hander Brandon Williamson, but it is unclear whether the Reds will turn to him again or look elsewhere in the system for their next starter.
The Reds finally stopped the bleeding with Saturday’s win, but staying competitive will require finding answers on the mound, and Lowder’s absence only adds to the challenge.