Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (oblique) underwent another MRI on his injured left oblique and is continuing to deal with swelling, Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati reports. Lowder, the seventh pick in the 2023 draft, hasn't pitched this year while battling multiple injuries. The 23-year-old was originally shelved with a strained right forearm, and then he suffered a significant oblique strain during a Triple-A rehab start in late May. At the very least, it doesn't look as if he'll make his 2025 major league debut until after the All-Star break. Lowder, MLB Pipeline's second-ranked Reds prospect, received his first big league promotion last year and pitched to a stellar 1.17 ERA with 22:14 K:BB in 30 2/3 innings.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (oblique) is expected to be shut down for a few weeks. Lowder exited his last rehab outing with an oblique strain. According to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19, the right-hander will not be able to "do much" for a few weeks. After this period, he will return to Arizona to restart the buildup process. The 23-year-old was initially recovering from a forearm injury but will now face a more extended recovery period with the added oblique strain. The Wake Forest product made his MLB debut last season and performed well in Cincinnati as he logged 30 2/3 innings of work to the tune of a 1.17 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. Given that Lowder does not have a definitive timetable, fantasy managers should not view him as a potential stash option. When he is cleared to return, he should have a role in the starting rotation.

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Charlie Goldsmith reports that Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm, oblique) is dealing with a significant oblique strain that he suffered in his second minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. Lowder was working his way back from a right-forearm strain but will now miss additional time due to a significant oblique injury. It means that the 23-year-old top prospect likely won't be an option for the major-league starting rotation until probably late June in a best-case scenario. The former seventh overall selection in 2023 out of Wake Forest has immense fantasy upside, especially after posting a 1.17 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in his first six big-league starts last year, but the Reds aren't going to be rushing one of their best young arms back in what has become an injury-riddled 2025 for Lowder.

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm, side) was seen grabbing at his left side after following through with his delivery during his minor-league rehab outing with Triple-A Louisville in the second inning on Thursday and was removed from the game after being checked by a trainer. The 23-year-old, who is recovering from a strained right forearm, tossed a scoreless first inning before injuring his side in just his second rehab start. In addition to his new injury, Lowder has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) in 7 1/3 innings during his rehab assignment. It's unclear how serious his side injury is, but it's most likely going to extend his timetable for a return to the big leagues. The former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest is the team's No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and impressed with a 1.17 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in his first six MLB starts as a rookie in 2024.

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (elbow) allowed four runs on four hits while walking one in one-third of an inning in his first minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday. He was pulled after reaching just 29 pitches, but he threw three more innings in the bullpen. Lowder is scheduled to throw around 75 pitches in his next rehab game with High-A Dayton. It hasn't been the best rehab assignment for the 23-year-old so far, as he's allowed 11 runs (10 earned) on 13 hits (two homers) while walking two and hitting a batter. However, he has struck out 11 in 6 1/3 innings. Lowder was the seventh overall pick in 2023 and has plenty of upside as a future high-end rotation arm for Cincy, especially after posting a 1.17 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 30 2/3 innings in his first six major-league starts a year ago.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm) is set to move his rehab assignment to High-A Dayton. Lowder is slated to start on Sunday. Lowder recently began his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League and is now set to face tougher competition. During his lone start in the ACL, Lowder allowed two runs across three innings. He struck out five batters. The 23-year-old has been on the 15-day injured list due to a forearm strain. Last season, Lowder made his MLB debut and was quite productive, logging a strong 1.17 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 30 1/3 innings of work. During this stint, he struck out 22 batters and generated an elite 3.3% barrel rate. Fantasy managers should expect the former seventh overall pick to compete for a spot in the rotation when he is activated off the injured list.

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Tuesday that they sent right-hander Rhett Lowder (forearm) on a minor-league rehab assignment to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. Lowder, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is being brought along slowly after he missed all of spring training due to a strained right forearm. The former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest made his big-league debut last year and looked great in six starts (30 2/3 innings), allowing only four earned runs and striking out 22. However, he also was a bit wild and walked 14. The 23-year-old will surely need a lengthy rehab assignment before he's removed from the injured list, and when he's ready, there's a chance that he could be sent back down to the minors for a little more seasoning. Remember, they brought him up at the end of last year only because their starting rotation was ravaged by injuries.

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm), who has been on the IL since March with a strained forearm, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, April 26. This should keep him on track for a return sometime in May, although it isn't clear whether he'll be assigned to Triple-A or join the major league rotation when he is ready to go. The Reds' second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 32) began 2024 at High-A and worked his way all the way up to the majors by August, making six starts for Cincinnati, posting a 1.17 ERA (3.10 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, and a 6.3 percent K-BB% in 30 2/3 innings of work. The 23-year-old should get another shot in the majors this season, and with last year's success, fantasy managers should be on the lookout for any developments regarding his return.

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.

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.

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.

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Cincinnati Reds starting pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (elbow) is dealing with elbow soreness and is being limited with his throwing program. However, Sheldon noted the former seventh overall pick has no structural damages. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Lowder's status during spring training in case he faces more limitations. However, seeing that the MRI results came back positive is a positive sign. Lowder is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation during spring training. Last summer, the No. 2 ranked prospect in the system made his professional debut. He opened the campaign at High-A but spent most of his summer at Double-A, where he held a 4.31 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 77 1/3 frames. He then earned a brief taste of the majors, where he posted a 1.17 ERA across 30 innings. Lowder could open the season at Triple-A if this injury lingers throughout the spring.

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.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder continued the impressive start to his young career, tossing five innings of shutout ball in Saturday's 7-1 victory over the Pirates. The 22-year-old allowed five hits and two walks while striking out four on the way to earning his second win of the season. In three of five starts the righty hasn't allowed even a single run, posting a 1.40 ERA to this point. His command was off in the first two starts, walking eight batters, but he's cleaned that up since then, walking just three over the last three starts. Lowder's next start lines up with the Cubs on the road next weekend.