Rhett Lowder

Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder was solid in his season debut against the Red Sox on Sunday, tossing five innings of two-run ball in a no-decision.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder scattered three hits while walking a pair and striking out five in his five innings of work on Sunday. The 24-year-old was the Reds' first-round pick, seventh overall, in the 2023 draft and debuted with a stellar 1.17 ERA in six starts last season. Despite the solid outing, Lowder doesn't project as an impact starter in fantasy circles quite yet.

Lowder missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a forearm injury that required rehabilitation, then dealing with a strained oblique muscle that kept him sidelined until the Arizona Fall League. His velocity sat in the 93-95 mph range during short AFL outings.

Fantasy Impact

The AFL stint also showcased improvements to Lowder's secondary arsenal, as he displayed a plus changeup and a sharper slider that generated swings and misses. He enters spring training healthy and will compete for a spot in Cincinnati's rotation.

Rhett Lowder was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday with Triple-A Louisville after his right shoulder did not recover well from his previous outing.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage. With about a week left in the season, Lowder will not return to the mound and will rehab during the offseason.

Rhett Lowder is scheduled to make his next rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder started his rehab assignment on September 13, throwing 34 pitches over two innings and allowing one run. He is expected to throw two or three innings on Friday. It is unclear if he will be activated following the outing.

Rhett Lowder began his rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Louisville.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder has been out all season recovering from elbow discomfort and an oblique strain. He is likely working his way back to being fully healthy for spring training.