Rhett Lowder DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.